In recent years, there has been extensive discussion about workplace environments, particularly during the period when the debate between in-office presence and remote working took center stage. Today, however, the conversation has evolved: the spaces where we spend much of our daily lives are truly changing their nature. They are no longer just functional areas, but strategic tools to foster well-being, collaboration, and creativity.
A concrete example is Konelabra, a historic building in the heart of Helsinki, formerly home to the laboratories of the University of Technology. After years of inactivity, it has recently been transformed by Fyra, in collaboration with ARK Helsinki and Cobbleyard Real Estate, into a hub that combines office and showroom spaces through an innovative and sustainable approach.
The renovation honors the building’s architectural heritage, preserving floors, doors, and original details while integrating new solutions that project its function into the future. The design follows the principles of restorative architecture, prioritizing reuse and sustainability.
Within Konelabra, the former paper laboratory now hosts the ABL-Laatat showroom: a modular and welcoming space designed to encourage exploration and interaction. Here, design weaves together functionality, atmosphere, and identity, regenerating the historic fabric and transforming it into a space that bridges memory and future, while fostering innovation and collaboration.
Menu
