Helsinki Deaconess Institute

The Helsinki Deaconess Institute undertook a bold project to renovate its maze-like administration building to serve modern work practices, breathing new life into a building that originally functioned as a home for deaconess sisters.

Community, cultural heritage and partnership

The goal of the project was to strengthen the sense of community and increase interaction by creating a shared workspace and meeting place for all employees of the Deaconess Institute. The space concept and design aimed to support the hybrid working model for the administration staff of HDL. The historic building was outfitted with spaces suitable for different work situations, facilitating both focused work and moments of interaction. The café-multipurpose space, Aurora, was designed to be an inviting meeting spot, leaving a lasting impression on both staff and partners.

Another key aim was to restore this culturally and architecturally significant building to its original glory. Solutions were found by balancing historical preservation, timelines and costs.

The historical setting was revitalized, while also creating a foundation for modern knowledge work:

• Unsuitable materials and hazardous substances were removed
• The space, which had become a maze over time, was opened up to nearly match its original spacious layout
• Original paneled ceilings were uncovered and restored
• The colors and wallpaper used in the space were chosen to reflect the old building’s palette
• Some of the antique furniture was restored, combining the old with the new in the design

The third goal of the project was to optimize space use due to the rise of remote working. The renovations were designed to allow for further space consolidation in the future. As a result of more efficient space usage, a significant portion of the building can now be rented out for productive and community-serving purposes to partners.

The dream is for the Deaconess Institute block to become a welcoming place for stakeholders, city residents, and perhaps even tourists, as a museum in the future.

Project progress and results

 During the project’s concept phase, HDL’s workspace concept was developed together with the space users. Service design sprints were used to explore the significance of the spaces for the work community, envision the long-term development of the block, and create concrete sketches and spatial layouts. Employee needs and wishes were also mapped through surveys, and the draft plans were adjusted accordingly.

During the implementation phase, the design solutions were further refined. Plans had to be updated significantly during construction, as unexpected findings emerged when the building’s structures were opened. The City Museum was consulted on changes to the spatial layout.

As a result of the project, the Deaconess Institute gained comfortable and functional workspaces. The worn-out and cluttered appearance of the building, accumulated over decades, was revitalized, and the building’s technical systems were updated, extending its lifespan. This historic building now serves as a daily reminder to its users of the value and essence of deacon work.