Aalto University: The new Marsio building is a showcase for research, teaching and impact at Aalto University
The name of the new building to be built on the Aalto University campus in Otaniemi (Otakaari 2A), Marsio, is a tribute to the creative pioneer, architect, designer, entrepreneur and Aalto alumna Aino Marsio-Aalto.
‘This name pays fair respect to Aino Marsio-Aalto’s significance as an important figure in Finnish design and creative industry. The name also makes you think about the meanings within the university’s name and emphasises the importance of equality to the university,’ says Janne Laine, Vice President, responsible for innovation at Aalto University, who was the chair of the jury.
Marsio-Aalto’s impact on the Otaniemi campus is significant, as her and Alvar Aalto’s joint proposal won the Otaniemi building plan competition in 1949. Now a building with her name will be built next to the Ainonaukio square, also named after Marsio-Aalto.
Only your imagination is the limit
The Marsio building offers a place for radical creativity, experimentation and new thinking, just like its role model Aino Marsio-Aalto. Approximately 6 500 gross m2 of state-of-the-art multi-purpose facilities will be built, especially for teaching arts and media, cross-sectoral research, various events and for a new studio centre.
The Marsio facilities will be equipped with new digital technologies that enable cross-sectoral research and teaching. This will elevate Aalto’s events to a new level, both on the campus and virtually. The building provides a window into research, teaching and impact at the university. In addition to facilities serving Aalto University users, there will also be space for catering and event services operators and visitors of the university visitor centre.
The foundation laying ceremony was shared with the sister building
In spring 2022, Aalto University organised a name competition for the new building. It was open to all and the first of its kind. The university received 215 proposals for the new name. The jury selected the two most suitable proposals, and the president and the communications director made the final decision. The winning proposal was made by Ville Alasalmi and Hanna Salmi.
The name was published at the foundation laying ceremony of the Marsio building and its sister building on 29 September 2022. The construction of two new buildings in the middle of the Otaniemi campus began in February this year. Marsio (Otakaari 2A) and Otakaari 2B should be completed at the end of 2023.
Otakaari 2B will be a building focusing on research, with facilities especially for the use of the School of Science and the School of Electrical Engineering. The new building will significantly increase the amount of research, teaching and office space for experimental research in applied physics. The name of Otakaari 2B will be announced later.