The Marsio building is located in the middle of the Otaniemi campus, opposite the Undergraduate Centre, which was completed in the 1960s and is also known as a landmark of the area. Due to its central location, certain features, rhythm, and form must be adhered to, so that the new building communicates with the surrounding structures.

Clear, large surfaces and the relationships between them bring the most recognisable features to the building. The restrained exterior hides challenging spatial solutions within, ranging from a cinema to studio space and from a restaurant to an exhibition area.

The glass corner of the building's first floor offers a showcase-like view of Aalto University's events and activities. Otaniemi is a culturally and historically significant campus area where the layering of construction periods is allowed to be visible. The glass surface adds a new layer to the campus by challenging the campus's more traditional solutions.

The red brick façade, made from Finnish Loimaa clay, reflects buildings designed by Alvar Aalto's architectural office (Undergraduate Centre, Harald Herlin Learning Centre, Nanotalo building) and Verstas Architects (A Bloc, School of Business, Väre) located nearby. The metal parts are tinted to match the style of the surrounding buildings.

Designed to show life

Next to Marsio, there is another new building Kide, constructed on the same site, which complements the range of spaces and brings flexibility to the university's activities. The adaptable spaces of both buildings ensure a long lifespan, making it reasonably easy to convert the spaces for different uses in the future.

Long lifespan was enhanced through energy efficiency. Marsio has a lot of open space and window surfaces, protected by so-called sunshade fins, thin structures in the upper parts of the building.

Different surface solutions were found through discussions with the building's users. The workshop-like and, at times, industrial style allows wooden mould surfaces to be visible in the untreated concrete and occasionally visible construction markings. As a counterbalance to the untreated surfaces, various finishes have been brought into Marsio, including surfaces suitable for needs such as upholstery and image processing with a compatible colour palette. 

The interiors provide space for thinking, as the spaces are designed with various possibilities in mind for different operators and activities. Life and activities are meant to be visible in Marsio.

Designer: Sarc+Sigge, chief designer Antti-Matti Siikala, project architect Max Haartman
Developer: Aalto University Properties Ltd
Contractor: NCC
Construction period: February 2022 – August 2024