Helsinki City

Renovation of Fredriksberg multi-purpose office

Completion Year:

2025-

Project Size:

Industry:

Culture and Leisure, Financial Management Services

Services:

Change Management, Workplace Development, Interior Architecture, Workplace Consulting

Participatory design as key: this is how Fredriksberg's new space solutions were created

Agile Work was selected to implement the interior and furniture design for the Fredriksberg multi-space office of the City of Helsinki's Culture and Leisure Department. The design combined human-centered understanding and data-based analysis, which enabled the tailoring of space solutions to truly serve the needs of the users and brought added value from the perspective of both work well-being and efficiency. The use of the space did not serve diverse work, so change was necessary. The project was implemented in close cooperation with the project team and Kuva's staff: participatory methods, such as interviews, observations and workshops, brought valuable understanding of the real needs of the spaces. The pop-up-style workshops, where the entire staff could evaluate and develop the functionality of the spaces together, were particularly successful.

Responsible space design and furniture recycling enabled both ecological and financial savings

The renovation focused particularly on the adaptability, functionality and acoustics of the spaces, all elements that support smooth and inspiring work. The circular economy perspective was at the heart of the design: furniture inventories were made of existing furniture, from which all good-quality furniture was selected with the aim of being reused. By modifying the intended uses of the spaces and furniture solutions, significant improvements were achieved without unnecessary consumption of resources. In addition to being ecological, this method brought financial savings and supported the responsibility goals of the City of Helsinki.

Cost-effective use of space without compromising on atmosphere

The “surplus spaces” created by the renovation did not remain empty: after the summer of 2025, the City of Helsinki’s Financial Management Service (Talpa) moved into the premises, which enabled internal leasing within the city enabling cost savings compared to external office space solutions. Although the premises were updated to meet today’s needs, the familiar atmosphere and Fredriksberg’s distinctive look were preserved. The design took into account the multifunctionality and adaptability of the premises also in the future, so that they can live and develop with the needs of the organization. Now the space is flexible to different working methods, teams and events, offering a long-lasting and sustainable solution.