Kangasala Arts Centre was inaugurated in January 2015. The main space in the cultural centre is the multi-purpose auditorium for music, theatre, film and other performances. The centre also houses the Kimmo Pyykkö Art Museum with a space for changing exhibitions as well as the Municipal Council assebly hall.

The townscape in the community centre of Kangasala is dominated by the old stone church and its handsome steeple. Kangasala House occupies the plot beside the church, adjacent to the library. In its immediate vicinity are the old municipal hall, the bus station, the municipal office building and several commercial and residential buildings. Kangasala House is a conspicuous public building that makes its presence known rather than remaining anonymous. It brings a new and much needed identity to this central block, yet without challenging the dominant status of the old church.

The cultural centre combines several functions innovatively, in true Finnish fashion. The canyon-like foyers with streaming staircases link (and separate) the functions grouped into separate entities. Carefully considered views of the outside surroundings interestingly punctuate the rhythm of the interior. The importance of the multi-purpose auditorium is emphasised with curtain-like metal mesh surfacing. A corridor links the building to the library next door. From the outside, Kangasala House is a monolithic, boulder-like shape. Its elevations are solid and in a single material – concrete treated with iron oxide – further enhancing the boulder-like impression. The huge, rust-coloured exterior conceals a variety of light-coloured foyers creating the aforementioned ‘canyons’, a striking and essential contrast.

Source:

The Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2015 shortlist