The most extensive renovation in the history of the library 2013–2015

As background information and a tool for restoration solutions in the National Library of Finland building, a building-historical survey was commissioned from Okulus Architects Oy.
The aim of the survey was to present the historical change periods in the building to better understand its current state and to find out the age of the later construction parts.  The library interiors are one of the most impressive and exceptionally authentically preserved examples of Engel’s architecture. The Finnish survey (published 22 Sep. 2011) can be read at Doria.fi: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2016110226201

In the renovation, the functionality and disabled access of the library was improved and building services engineering was renewed. The alteration work promoted the preservation of the building and its use as a library. The library building is protected by the city plan and the Act on the Protection of Buildings. The National Board of Antiquities actively partook in the project, at both at design and implementation stages.

The documentation of the renovation project (in Finnish): Kansalliskirjaston peruskorjaus, työmaadokumentointi 2013 - 2015 (Doria.fi)

Pictures of the renovation (Flickr)

Image: Kati Winterhalter