We are pleased to present this book which showcases ... - WSP Group

For many years there had been a need to extend the Finnish
Parliament in Helsinki to provide improved, modern office space
for growing numbers of staff, including MPs and their assistants.
WSP was appointed to carry out the structural engineering design
for this extremely high profile project, working with the architects
Helin & Co.
The striking architecture of the new extension contrasts with,
yet complements, the original 1920s style Parliament buildings,
with a curved facade of stainless steel and glass. Steel plays an
important role in the building, not only structurally but also
aesthetically. It is used in combination with glass roofing to
create a spacious, dynamic feeling.
The challenging architecture called for complex technical
solutions, including:
■ Demanding post-tensioned structures with long spans
and slender members;
■ A skeleton comprising a triangular section and a curved part with
inclined columns;
■ Double-skinned facades and glass roofing supported by triangular
steel trusses.
Due to the strategic importance of the building, safety issues are of
paramount importance and had to be taken into account in every
aspect of the design.
The building was completed in 2004, in line with the client’s time
frame, within budget and fully achieving the requirements for design
work of the highest quality appropriate for this important landmark
building in central Helsinki.
WSP won the structural design accolade
in the 2004 Steel Structure of the Year Awards.
The judges based their decision on “a passion
for quality, aesthetics and practicality.”
Client:
Finnish Parliament
Project team:
Architect: Helin & Co Architects
Contractor:YIT
Construction management: JP Terasto
Project value:
£29M
Project size:
17 200 sq m
Completed:
31 May 2004
WSP services:
Structural engineering
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