title: Aalto University Undergraduate Centre. Protected Alvar Aalto Building Awarded for Accessibility After Renovation.
abstract: The main building of the former Helsinki University of Technology (TKK) designed by Alvar Aalto is part of the cultural heritage in Finland. The building underwent a major renovation in 2011-2015 and has now become an awarded Undergraduate Centre for the modern interdisciplinary education of Aalto University. This paper presents how the architectural masterpiece from the 1960's was renovated and updated into a modern and accessible university building. Particular attention was paid for entering the building by wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs. The successful renovation was awarded in 2015 by the 'Esteetön Suomi -palkinto' (Accessible Finland Award), given every two years as a mark of recognition to activities or locations implementing the principles of accessibility and Universal Design for all on a broad scale and in a nationally significant way.
authors.affiliation: Aalto University, Finland.
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raike
authors.affiliation: Aalto University, Finland.
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahlava
authors.affiliation: Architects NRT, Finland.
authors.forename: Teemu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tuomi
authors.affiliation: Aalto Campus and Real Estate, Finland.
authors.forename: Pauliina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Skyttä
authors.affiliation: Aalto University, Finland.
authors.forename: Ira
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Verma
mesh_terms: D001107:Architectural Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D001363:Awards and Prizes; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005387:Finland; D014495:Universities