A new large hall is planned for the cultural centre, along with more spaces for performing arts and music, exercise and hobbies, meeting places and premises for shared activities. The aim of the competition is to design a new type of customer-oriented premises for the cultural centre, which can be used flexibly by the different services.
The architecture of the Stoa complex is expected to be of good quality. The design must also preserve the architectural and cultural heritage values of the existing building.
Developing the culture centre’s services
The renovation of the building supports Stoa's vision of closer cooperation between the building's stakeholders and greater involvement of city residents in the planning of the building's operations.
Antti Sarpo, Director of Stoa, said: “The planning process of the new Stoa involved a large number of city residents. The ideas and wishes of residents will also be taken into account in the architecture competition. The Stoa of the 2030s will be a modern cultural centre and an attraction for East Helsinki, attracting visitors from beyond its borders.”
The key services – the library, youth centre, arts and culture arenas and the adult education centre – will be maintained and strengthened in Stoa.
Two stages to the architecture competition – plans will later be available for comments online
Seven participants have been selected for the first phase of the architecture competition, both from Finland and abroad. The participants moving forward to the second phase will be selected in autumn 2026. The final outcome of the competition will be decided in late spring or early summer 2027.
The jury will examine the competition proposals from the perspectives of the quality of the overall solution and its suitability for further refinement, in particular. The evaluation will focus on the functionality and adaptability of the premises, the main architectural idea and respect for the environment in the method of construction.
During the competition, city residents can comment on the plans online. The jury will take the comments of the public into account in its assessment.
According to the preliminary schedule, the Stoa construction project will be completed in 2031. The renovated Stoa will open its doors in spring 2032.
