Renovated academic library ready

The Luotsi building, which used to be an administrative building, has undergone a major change from floor to ceiling. The new main entrance is integrated with the glass extension, and the lobby opens to the second floor. The space of about 50 square metres will include desks for library users. Luotsi will be the campus’ new vibrant meeting place and a calling card for the entire campus.  

The courtyard has also received a new look. The stonework of the main entrance area has been renewed, and there will be bicycle parking for about 100 new bicycle places . 

– We are very excited that campus development is progressing. The goal is to make our campus an attractive meeting place, respecting the principles of sustainable development. Renewal includes not only buildings but also the development and change of operating practices, says Rector Jari Kuusisto.

World-class academic library 

The opening ceremony of the Tritonia Academic Library will take place on 1 September. 

The new library offers modern and accessible facilities and services for students, researchers and teachers on the Palosaari campus.  

– In addition to the University of Vaasa, the library also serves the needs of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences and Novia University of Applied Sciences. We are a public library open to all, says Anne Lehto, head of the library.  

Construction has proceeded according to schedule and within budget, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges posed by availability of materials and price increases.   

 – The change has required extensive construction work with all the small office rooms being demolished, the building expanded, the building technology upgraded, and all the surfaces renovated. Cooperation within the alliance has gone really well. The timely completion of Luotsi will enable the next steps to be taken as planned, says Minna Nygård, Peab’s project development manager. 

The project utilised circular economy solutions. 

– In connection with Luotsi’s transformation, the old openings of the exterior were closed and other repairs were made with bricks taken from other parts of the building. Although we made significant changes, we were able to utilise the existing construction material. We invested in indoor air quality with sealing repairs, says structural designer Mats Strömbäck from Ramboll. 

– In terms of technology, the library has been completely redesigned to meet today’s needs. The entire technology of the building works automatically and energy-efficiently. The library will be connected to the new environmentally-friendly campus energy system when it will be completed next year, says Kari Rintamäki, development director at Granlund Pohjanmaa Oy. 

The next stage of campus development is the renovation of the office building, i.e. the former Tritonia building, and the Tervahovi building that will house the teaching facilities. Construction work on the office building began in August, and it will be completed in spring 2023. The Tervahovi building will be ready by the end of 2023.