New spaces hidden in the existing urban structure
The Turku barracks’ financial building, constructed between 1830-33, which later became the Helsinki bus station from 1930 to 1995 and then a commercial and office facility, has been repurposed into a cinema and restaurant complex named Kulttuurikasarmi (meaning Cultural Barracks).
During the renovations, the building has been expanded under the ground, below the old building frame and the Lasipalatsi square. On the other side at Narinkkatori, a one-story high restaurant pavilion has been built at ground level.
Being a part of the Lasipalatsi block, the building is complementing the cultural offerings with three Bio Rex cinemas, restaurant facilities and an event space. Bio Rex’s ticket office, Cafe Kasarmi and Henry’s Distillery are located on the street level of the building, and at the south end, Henry’s Music Bar. On the second floor is an event space, which can be divided into two parts and has access to the roof terrace.
The cinema functions are on the basement floor. The glass-walled, one-story-high restaurant pavilion extension on the ground level was designed to not change the large-scale role of the old building in the urban structure.
https://kuudes.com/work/kulttuurikasarmi/
https://www.kulttuurikasarmi.fi/tutustukulttuurikasarmiin (Historiavideo)
Facts
| Location | Helsinki |
| Year | 2023 |
| Size | 4436 brm² |
| Client | Glaspalatskvarteret Ab |
