Modern architecture in historical city centers often leaves me wondering. I especially “love” it  in articles on new architecture when they emphasize enthusiastically how wonderfully the new building ” blends in with the surroundings”, while I  rather alternate in my choice of words between “eyesore” or “barely tolerable”.

But there are those rare cases that absolutely deserve praise for accomplishing the “blending in” aspect. One of those is the new university library building in Helsinki-Kaisaniemi. This is an absolutely fantastic solution for both the place and the function. So make sure you pass by and go in and get yourself a taste of successful blending of the old and new.

More pictures here

http://www.librarybuildings.info/finland/helsinki-university-main-library