Rovaniemi Library

Rovaniemi Civic Centre:

The Rovaniemi Civic Centre is, alongside Seinäjoki, the only completed urban center designed by Alvar Aalto in Finland. As early as 1961, the preliminary sketches for the library building included two other structures, which ultimately formed a seamlessly interconnected complex for administration and culture. The buildings are arranged in a fan-shaped layout on a park-like square known as Kansalaistori (Citizens' Square). The center's buildings open towards the city center.

Rovaniemi Library, Jorma Eton tie 6

1961-1965

The first building to be completed in the Rovaniemi Civic Centre was the library building. It consists of a long and low wing and a fan-shaped section above it, with windows prominently rising above the facade. In front of the library, there is a colonnade that adds a grand appearance to the building.

The library's interior is filled with natural light from numerous windows, complemented by various lighting fixtures designed by Aalto. Some of the furniture and lighting fixtures are from Artek's standard collection, but several unique lighting designs were specifically created for the library. In the spacious lending hall, there are peaceful reading areas that are slightly sunken compared to the rest of the space.