Verkatehdas Culture Center

Location: Hämeenlinna, Finland
Function: Auditorium, Black-box theatre, Cafe, Concert hall, Event spaces, Exhibition galleries, Multifunctional spaces, Offices
Size: 10 300 m2
Status: Completed - 2007
Client: City of Hämeenlinna
Scope: Adaptive reuse, Architecture, Art integration, Furniture design, Graphic design, Interior, Landscape, Restoration

Verkatehdas is an old garment factory, which was redeveloped into a modern cultural center. In this way, the historic industrial era came to end, but a new life was started with culture as the driving force.

The main venue of the cultural center is the 700 seat black box theater, which forms the modern landmark within the factory. The theater is built for all types of events from theater shows and congresses to classical concerts and rock performances. The heart of Verhatehdas is the glazed inner courtyard, which opens towards the sky.

The factory was built with industrial and arcaic materials: corten steel, concrete and bricks. New modern elements were added into the whole to create a dialogue between the robust industrial heritage and modern architectural interventions.

© Arno de la Chapelle
© Patrik Rastenberg
© Jussi Tiainen
© Jussi Tiainen
© Jussi Tiainen
© Jussi Tiainen
© Jussi Tiainen
© Arno de la Chapelle
© Arno de la Chapelle
© Jussi Tiainen
© Arno de la Chapelle
© Arno de la Chapelle