Helsinki Biennial pavilion has now been built on Lyypekinlaituri pier
The Helsinki Biennial pavilion has now been built on Lyypekinlaituri pier, which is located by Helsinki’s Old Market Hall. The purpose of the pavilion is to serve as a departure point for the Helsinki Biennial, to improve the accessibility of Vallisaari Island and the rest of the archipelago and to breathe new life into the Market Square area. In summer 2021, a ticket sales point for the ferry services to Vallisaari Island and the Helsinki Tourist Information desk will be located in the pavilion.
It will be possible to visit the pavilion from 1 October. During the winter, the pavilion will be covered by a sturdy shelter that will suit the surroundings. Before it is covered up, city-dwellers and tourists will be able to use the pavilion as part of the urban space.
In spring 2021 ferry services to Vallisaari Island will begin in early May when ferry tickets will be sold at the pavilion and ferries will start operating regularly from the new docks. The Helsinki Tourist Information desk will also be located in the pavilion, providing information on Helsinki to both tourists and city residents.
“The pavilion is a bus stop for maritime Helsinki, a springboard to the Helsinki Biennial, an information desk and a ticket sales point all at the same time. It is also a display of Finnish architecture and timber construction skills that breathes new life into the South Harbour area,” says Tommi Laitio, Executive Director, Culture and Leisure.
The pavilion was designed by Verstas Arkkitehdit Oy.
“The pavilion was designed to be a departure point for the Helsinki Biennial. As its inspiration came from the ponds and potholes of the cliffs and rocks of Vallisaari Island, it creates a sense of Vallisaari on the mainland,” says Jussi Palva Chief Designer from Verstas Arkkitehdit.
The pavilion’s terrace and canopy structure serves as a waiting and assembly area, and the canopy also provides protection from rain. The top of the canopy, on the other hand, features an area for admiring the Helsinki cityscape, or just sitting around and eating snacks. The pavilion relies on the service offering of the surrounding restaurants and cafés.
Radio Helsinki will be broadcasting live from the Helsinki Biennial pavilion on Thursday 1 October. Laura Friman will be talking to various guests about the Helsinki Biennial and its content between 1pm and 6pm. The programme will also be available after the live broadcast on the Radio Helsinki website.