The Arcada house - a unique meeting place for 20 years
Bringing people together to collaborate and connect - that was the vision for the main building on Arcadas campus, which this year proudly celebrates 20 years. To mark the anniversary, the Arcada hosted an Open House, welcoming curious visitors to explore its vibrant campus, including the newly developed labs and simulation centres.
It was in 2002 that bulldozers first broke ground on the marshland of Arabianranta. In this open field, just a short distance from central Helsinki, a bold decision had been made: to establish a new campus dedicated to higher education in Swedish.
Previously, the educational activities were spread across three separate institutions—Technology in Tapiola, Nursing on Sturenkatu, and Business in Lauttasaari. These would now be unified under one roof in the new Arcada main building.
The vision was clear: to create a space where people could meet, collaborate, and grow together.
“When we planned the new Arcada, one goal stood above all others: to foster community and collaboration,” recalls architect Stefan Ahlman. “Each educational unit had its own profile, traditions, and working methods. The aim was to bring them together and create one unified Arcada.”
The choice of materials was also intentional, designed to give the building a strong and lasting identity.
“The second vision was to ensure that the structure and materials would stand the test of time,” Ahlman explains. “The five wings, connected by courtyards, were designed to provide architectural clarity. We chose simple, durable materials—slate stone, blued steel, glass, and plaster—to give the university a distinctive and enduring character.”
A Meeting Place for New Ideas
In November 2004, the new Arcada building was finally completed and officially inaugurated by staff and students from across its various disciplines. According to then-rector Henrik Wolff, the result was everything they had hoped for.
“Even before we welcomed our first students in the autumn of 1996, it was clear that our vision was to unite everyone on a single, cohesive campus,” Wolff recalls. “We believed that only by bringing together people and ideas from different fields could we become the innovative higher education institution we aspired to be. Nearly a decade later, in autumn 2004, that dream became a reality when we moved into our new home in Arabianranta.”
It’s a dream that continues to thrive.
“I’m proud that Arcada’s main building remains the open meeting place for new ideas and opportunities that we envisioned from the start,” says Wolff.
The Lion Square takes place
Arcada’s identity was shaped not only through architecture and materials, but also through art. As part of an open competition organized by Pro Artibus for artists under the age of 30, five unique artworks were commissioned - pieces that still grace the university grounds and surrounding areas today.
Among them is Oasen (Oasis) by Ann Sundholm, featuring resting lions in the square between Arcada and Prakticum. Over the years, these lions have become a familiar landmark for those passing through the area - a quiet symbol of reflection and creativity.
20 Years of Human Encounters
In 2024, Arcada’s main building celebrated its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a vibrant meeting place - home to countless memories, life stories, cultural exchanges, and shared knowledge. The building continues to embody the founding vision: to foster meaningful encounters between people.
Today, staff work in open-plan offices, while students engage in collaborative learning environments and interdisciplinary projects. These shared spaces continue to spark cross-sector dialogue, innovation, and the creation of new knowledge.
The anniversary was marked with an Open House in November, inviting prospective students, alumni, and partners to explore the campus. Despite the brisk November weather, visitors came together for an interactive experience of Arcada’s facilities and spirit.
“Our campus may be small, but it offers space for an invaluable diversity of voices - different backgrounds, industries, languages, and ways of thinking,” says current rector Mona Forsskåhl. “We hope that everyone who spends time in this building gains not only knowledge and practical experience, but also friendships and broader, more inclusive perspectives. The unique exchange of ideas and the strong sense of community—both inside and outside the classroom—are what make Arcada a truly special meeting place, now and in the future.”
Virtual Tour
Would you like to explore the Arcada building without physically visiting our campus? No problem! Hop on our virtual tour and wander freely in our modern and high-class spaces with just a few clicks. You can find it here.