At Suomi-Talo, the focus was on refreshing interior elements to enhance the overall look and feel.
Wood was a key material choice, and the loose furniture highlighted Finnish design.
The interior concept brought together elements reflecting both Finland and St. Petersburg, creating a harmonious and balanced whole.
SUOMI-TALO
1,500 m2
2019
St. Petersburg, Russia
Concept | Project Management | Interior Architecture | Workplace Development
Challenge
The partly protected Suomi-Talo building in St. Petersburg was in need of a refresh. The aim was to make better use of the premises and support commercial and cultural collaboration between Finland and St. Petersburg. The outdated, dimly lit spaces did not reflect Finnish identity and failed to meet the needs of the business and cultural professionals using them. The international nature of the project called for strong collaboration between Finnish and Russian partners.
Benefit
Suomi-Talo was transformed into a functional and distinctly Finnish hub for business and cultural actors. The interior concept blended elements representing both Finland and St. Petersburg into a harmonious whole. Calm, Finnish-inspired shades of blue were combined with pastel tones found in St. Petersburg’s architecture, as well as brass details. Black was used to create contrast with light-colored surfaces and natural wood textures.
The focus was on renewing interior elements to uplift the overall ambiance. Natural materials were highlighted, such as white oak parquet by Timberwise and wood paneling by Siparila, bringing a warm, grounded feeling to the space while framing and brightening it. Wherever possible, furniture and lighting were sourced from Finnish manufacturers to emphasize local design.
The color palette and furniture choices were carefully selected to clarify spatial functions. The updated spaces now serve a broader range of users. The lounge-style lobby fosters encounters and casual working, while dedicated workrooms and bookable meeting rooms offer privacy and focus. Events and gatherings are hosted in a flexible, transformable event hall.
On the journey of change management, we use e.g. these our own work environment development tools
- Hybrid Work – work method survey – A quick way to map the views of the staff – more information for facility planning and change management
- Office Space Dimensioning – space program – For space search, a summary of space needs and the square footage of the future office
- New Normal Strategy – management workshop – Guidelines for office space change, management’s common understanding of goals and work culture
- Office Concept and Next Steps – draft planning and conceptualization process – Crystallized concept and visual appearance of the new office. A customized measure proposal for the continuation of the project
- Culture Hack workshop – Suggestions for new operating models for the hybrid work toolkit, as well as new spatial development ideas related to the operating models for the office concept.
- Hybrid Work Pocket Book – a manager’s guide – A tool for teams to agree on the rules of the game for hybrid work
- House Rules workshop – Game rules of the work environment to increase functionality and comfort, a common spirit for hybrid work and the opportunity for personnel to bring forward ideas in a solution-oriented environment
- Hybrid Pulse follow-up survey – when you want to stay on the pulse of how your work environment works