Radisson RED Helsinki · Finnish Architecture Navigator

The Radisson Red Hotel on Helsinki’s Vuorikatu exemplifies a building shaped by specific architectural trends that may be viewed differently in the future. Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects and completed in 2016, the building’s square footprint reflects the site of the previous structure. Its central lightwell organizes the interior spaces, while the facade features a grid of square windows. The building’s upper floors are set back, and the ground level is distinguished by arched motifs.

Seen from Kaisaniemi Park, the hotel presents a straightforward multistorey design with a consistent facade. The ground-floor arches reference the park’s scale, while the setback at the top reduces the perceived mass. The design was informed by its surroundings rather than historical influences, though the facade’s elements echo features common in Helsinki’s architectural heritage. The city’s underground tunnel network allowed for maintenance traffic to be relocated below ground, enabling a pedestrian-friendly entrance area and dedicating above-ground floors entirely to guest functions. Each square window corresponds to a hotel room, reinforcing the building’s logical and consistent design.

Inside, the dark-toned interior is contrasted by natural light streaming through the windows, a feature designed in collaboration with Fyra interior design agency. The large windows enhance the sense of space in the rooms, with corner units on higher floors offering expansive views. The central lightwell connects the lobby, corridors, and rooms, providing a clear spatial orientation and emphasizing the continuity of the floor plan across customer spaces.

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