Keilaniemi Metro Station

The first phase of the western extension of the Helsinki metropolitan area subway, the West Metro connects Ruoholahti, Helsinki with Matinkylä, Espoo offering public transport connections to over 100,000 passengers per day.

The Keilaniemi station is the first one on the Espoo-side of the extension. It is situated on the narrow strip between sea and land, apartment buildings and office blocks, green areas and the built shoreline. This borderline condition is a distinct theme for the architectural concept of the station.

Both station entrances interpret the hidden, underground rock geometry, and distill the shapes into the form of the building. Initially free standing objects, the entrance pavilions will eventually merge into the façades of the neighboring high-rise project. The faceted form and dynamic windows leave a recognizable impression. The pavilions are partially clad in metal from the east. Sheet metal, a high stone pedestal and glass surfaces share the same surface in the faceted geometry. From the west, the buildings have a simple metal grille façade.

The platform level in Keilaniemi takes some visual and atmospheric cues from the above ground hub of office blocks. The overall look is sleek and reflective. The end walls separating the platform area from the escalator shafts are made of glass. The long side walls of the platform are bound by a partial lowered ceiling made with reflective white painted solid aluminum plates, which also improve the acoustic qualities of the space. Light Weave, the LED tube based art work by the artist duo Grönlund & Nisunen hanging above the platform, has been embedded as an integral part of the overall design.