Helsinki City

As a Partner of the City of Helsinki in Designing Service Environments

Completion Year:

2023-

Project Size:

Industry:

Education, Library, Public Space

Services:

Project Management, Service Design, Interior Design

User-Centered and Adaptable Spaces for the City of Helsinki

Agile Work acts as an expert partner for the City of Helsinki, designing adaptable, user-centered, and comfortable spaces. The projects have included the city archives and registry offices across three locations: Kallio, Meritalo, and the City Hall. The goal was to create work environments that support multi-location and hybrid work, improve the efficiency of customer service, and ensure accessibility and comfort. The solutions made the spaces functionally more efficient, acoustically optimized, and visually cohesive, serving both employees and customers in a sustainable way.

Service Design as a Guide for the Library’s Renewal

In preparation for the renovation of the Rikhardinkatu Library, Agile Work conducted a service design process, which resulted in a space manual to guide architectural and interior design. The goal was to preserve the library’s historical identity and atmosphere while updating the facilities to meet modern needs. The renovations addressed accessibility, customer and workspaces, as well as services for children and families. Users, staff, and stakeholders were extensively involved through workshops and surveys to ensure the new environment supports both the library’s culture and diverse public use.

User-Centered Renovation of the Fredriksberg Office

As the third project, Agile Work designed the renovation of the Fredriksberg office for the Culture and Leisure Department. User interviews, pop-up workshops, and observations revealed a need for quiet spaces, flexibility, and improved acoustics. The solutions incorporated the reuse of furniture supporting the circular economy and created a modern, comfortable environment that enhances workflow efficiency. Additionally, Agile Work conducted a space survey for the Financial Administration Services across approximately 2,000 m² of premises in the Sörnäinen, Hakaniemi, or Kalasatama areas. The resulting space program and evaluation criteria enabled Talpa to relocate to the same Fredriksberg building during autumn 2025.