that will redistribute the waste heat from the data centres to heat homes."As we look at the Nordic region it has huge advantages to grow this sort of infrastructure," Speirs said referring to the region's cold climate that helps cool data centres reliable power grids and abundant availability of carbon-neutral power among other factors.Microsoft's strategy for its data centre expansion was initially driven by where demand was then shifted to creating supply where it anticipated more demand before taking on what the company now calls its "power first" approach in which affordable and emission-free power supply is a decisive factor driving investment which will collect waste heat on two new Microsoft data centre sites in the Helsinki region said the collaboration would allow it to cut emissions further towards its goal of reaching carbon neutrality in its district heating - or heat supplied and distributed from a central source - business in Finland by 2029.Reporting by Anne Kauranen; Editing by Susan Fenton Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab Manages Reuters news coverage from Finland and cooperates on cross-border Nordic topics, such as defence, security, energy as well as foreign and monetary policy. Born in eastern Finland, an hour's drive from the Russian border, she speaks five languages and keeps a close eye on the eastern neighbour, NATO's Nordic borders and the Arctic region. Currently a board member of Reuters' Finnish entity, previously Finland Correspondent for AFP and amateur football wing-back. , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved HELSINKI FINLAND A man is suspected of luring women to Finland with false promises of marriage and employment before subjecting them to sexual and labour exploitation The National Bureau of Investigation’s human trafficking unit has concluded its investigation into the case which involved a total of 16 victims and offences committed between 2019 and 2024 The suspected offences took place in Espoo and Kirkkonummi with a total of 15 individuals under suspicion The primary suspect is a 44-year-old man who contacted women abroad using social media platforms such as Tinder and Facebook He presented himself as a wealthy businessman in search of a long-term relationship employment in his company and residency in Finland,” said Detective Chief Inspector Hannu Kortelainen in a statement The man reportedly sent potential victims a list of requirements for a partner detailing expectations regarding appearance Police allege the suspect exploited the women both sexually and economically mainly from African and South American countries some of which were filmed by the suspect and his acquaintances The man is suspected of using employment contracts and residency applications to exert control over the women contracts were also drawn up for the victims’ relatives He is also alleged to have created debt obligations related to travel and accommodation costs “He manipulated the victims into a position of subordination using economic and legal pressures,” said Kortelainen Police believe the man operated residential construction businesses in Espoo despite being under a business ban until 2021 He is also suspected of fraudulently claiming tens of thousands of euros in unemployment benefits during this time The criminal investigation includes charges of four counts of aggravated human trafficking and a number of sexual and financial crimes International cooperation was required to investigate other suspects linked to the case authorities in several European countries provided assistance He was sentenced in 2016 by the Oulu District Court to over two years in prison and banned from business operations for five years due to offences linked to two construction firms He was also previously convicted of drink-driving in 2005 The case will now be referred to prosecutors Advertisement inquiries and other after-sales issues: info@helsinkitimes.fi Helsinki Times is the first and only English language newspaper providing news about Finland in English A weekly print edition of Helsinki Times was published from March 2007 up until Feb Helsinki Times is an online-only publication and other groups and individuals interested in Finland from all around the world © Helsinki Times All rights reserved.  Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Ystävyyskuntatoiminnan tarkoitus on parantaa kansainvälistä vuorovaikutusta ja eri kulttuurien ymmärtämistä sekä luoda pohjaa kansainväliselle yhteistyölle ja verkostoitumiselle Kirkkonummen kunnalla on kaksi ystävyyskuntaa: Sundbybergin ja Kirkkonummen välinen ystävyyskuntasopimus on vuodelta 1972 Paldiski ja Kirkkonummi ovat allekirjoittaneet yhteistyösopimuksen vuonna 1996 Kirkkonummen kuntaErvastintie 2PL 2002401 Kirkkonummi Vaihde: 09 29671 kirjaamo@kirkkonummi.fi  Anna palautetta Mediapankki Tapahtumakalenteri Avoimet työpaikat Laskutusosoitteet Yhteystiedot Lähetä salattu sähköposti kunnalle Karttapalvelu Saavutettavuusseloste Evästeseloste Tietosuoja Kyrkslätts kommunErvastvägen 2PB 2002401 Kyrkslätt Växel: 09 29671 kirjaamo@kirkkonummi.fi Ge respons Mediabanken Evenemangskalender Lediga jobb Faktureringsadresser Kontaktuppgifter Skicka krypterad epost till kommunen Karttjänst Tillgänglighetsutlåtande Användningen av cookies Dataskydd och begäranden om information Saat lisätietoa evästeiden käytöstä ja saat ne pois päältä valitsemalla Asetukset settings We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings jotta voimme tarjota sinulle parhaan mahdollisen käyttäjäkokemuksen Evästetiedot tallennetaan selaimeesi ja ne suorittavat toimintoja mitkä verkkosivuston osat ovat mielenkiintoisimpia ja hyödyllisimpiä This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Pakolliset evästeet tulisi ottaa aina käyttöön jotta voimme tallentaa asetuksesi evästeasetuksiin Strictly Necessary Cookies should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again Vain nykyinen istunto mitataan ja istuntokohtaiset evästeet asetetaan ja poistetaan vierailun jälkeen and session cookies are set and removed after the visit Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences JKMM Architects has retrofitted a 1980s library in the city of Kirkkonummi in Finland exemplifying in its rational architecture how libraries can also be vibrant multipurpose structures that retain their core of spaces built for reading and learning the copper-clad structure faces a medieval stone church A 50-metre-long sheltered terrace overlooks the churchyard establishing a fresh relationship with the neighbouring religious structure The copper shingles cladding of the new library relates back to the region’s maritime heritage and also works well to acquire heat, to combat the predominantly subarctic climate of Finland It also mirrors the adjacent church’s copper roof and was chosen for the long-lasting and subtly playful quality it brought making the building more interesting and inviting The concept thus centered around absorbing the old library the adaptive reuse project becomes the city’s new civic centre the 4,700 sqm building is built across four floors and represents a new generation of Finnish libraries where its unusual shape is attributed to the original 1980s library and its triangular footprint “The legacy of the library as an important public institution in Finland and the role of reading in Finnish society were on our minds from the very start,” relays JKMM Architects “Libraries are no longer solely about books but about sharing knowledge and experiences through multiple channels This phenomenon has changed their typology turning them into contemporary places for finding inspiration learning new things vis-à-vis reading as well as interactive activities This is why Finns today refer to libraries as public living rooms,” says Teemu Kurkela but also about encouraging reading for pleasure unlike traditional libraries focused on just books the new generation of Finnish libraries are much wider in their scope It becomes a hub for different types of communal activities this change is very much understood as the library being less like an institution and more like a service These also become meeting places for people who would like to spend their free time hanging out here and not necessarily study,” he continues The Helsinki-based design practice also carried out the interiors for the project and mentions that the remodelled library employed the existing concrete structure A large variety of accommodation for the community was introduced such as rooms for toddler group activities youth clubs as well as exhibition areas and spaces for events and performances The café at the ground level is fitted with a 198 sqm reading lounge that dedicates itself to newspapers and periodicals JKMM reveals that the previous city library was a pared-down building, very functional in nature, and in many ways, its simplicity made it ideal for the adaptive reuse.  “For a non-architect it can be hard to tell where the existing architecture finishes and the new one begins This type of fluid integration was a key element in our design approach and our interiors team worked well in using fabric and other materials like slated timber as well as carefully placed lighting to create this type of cohesiveness,” shares Kurkela The Finnish way of meticulous detailing and minimalism is followed inside Fyyri’s reading rooms as well as its exterior, respecting their tradition of libraries ennobling books and learnings through crafted design. The interior design comprises bespoke lighting with brass fittings that foster warmth and contrasts well with concrete Brass is also used at the new entrances and hand railings inviting and intuitively leading visitors through the areas brass is all the more appreciated as a material for its inherently anti-bacterial properties but when designing the building we wanted a finish that would contrast with the concrete surfaces that dominate the architecture" The library’s design is influenced by its surrounding coastal landscape Rhythmic fair-faced concrete posts and beams dominate the main reading hall where natural light filters through this framework akin to “daylight rippling through a forest of trees” The colour palette introduces hues that are ideal for making the building feel warm in the stark and cold winter months The furniture has been selected to enable the library to feel suited to both informal “It was important to make different age groups feel at home inside the library,” explains JKMM Subdued colours and soft materials like wool and felt upholstering reference their cold local weather and surrounding nature JKMM Architects also collaborated with Finnish artist Petri Vainio to create an in-situ art piece in the ceiling of the main entrance lobby that represents a bed of reeds “Emphasis has been given to the role of fitted furniture in continuing the architectonic qualities of the building form Slatted timber walls and ceilings also feature in a way that blurs the division between the hand of architect and that of the interior designer,” adds Kurkela JKMM’s interior architect Tiina Rytkonen says “Fyyri’s interior was designed to be welcoming and intimate in a way that enables everyone to find their rightful home in the building the interior also has the sort of unanticipated spaces that come with working with older structures There are cosy spaces and hideaways too perfect for children’s stories” Fyyri’s communal and non-commercial quality becomes integral in creating “a civic foundation that is about solidarity and well-being for Kirkkonummi as it grows to accommodate more inhabitants including a new wave of Helsinki commuters.” In more than half a decade of dedicated writing and research fueled by her education and experience in architecture ideating as well as aligning and editing content for STIR’s design and architecture verticals She also edits and oversees the day-to-day editorial operations for its launch platform Her keen interest in what demands design and creative plurality at large drives her professional pursuits She often tunes into a variety of media centred especially on maligned women true crime and what we get wrong about history From vernacular knowledge to modern sustainability Middle Eastern pavilions serve as living archives of architectural thought offering fresh frameworks for global adoption STIR engages with the curators of the Togo Oman and Qatar pavilions—debuting at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025—on representation the book presents a fictional story depicting algorithms exercising control over humans and how this affects the built environment Tipnis shares how the toolbox democratises the practice of restoration via DIY resources to repair tangible urban heritage made of common building materials Exclusive preview for subscribers. 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Learn More © Copyright 2019-2025 STIR Design Private Limited Please confirm your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password All your bookmarks will be available across all your devices Password must be 8 characters long including one capital letter By creating an account, you acknowledge and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy by STIR Select the Conversation Category you would like to watch Please enter your details and click submit Single account access for STIRworld.com,STIRpad.com and exclusive STIRfri content Verification link sent to check your inbox or spam folder to complete sign up process by Jincy Iype | Published on : Apr 14 according to monitoring by Espoo Regional Environmental Health Nine water utilities supply drinking water in these areas with the largest provider being Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY) Several smaller water cooperatives also operate in Espoo and Kirkkonummi though they do not produce or treat water themselves Water quality is assessed based on microbiological and chemical criteria set by law All samples taken in 2024 met the required microbiological and chemical safety standards two samples exceeded the guideline limits for bacterial colony counts and two others had slightly elevated iron levels These deviations were not considered a health risk Authorities test tap water based on supply volume and risk assessments Smaller water cooperatives are tested annually more than 200 official water samples were collected There were 12 water quality incidents recorded last year restrictions were placed on water use until additional testing confirmed safety Environmental health authorities worked closely with water suppliers to manage these situations Tap water testing results from utilities serving at least 50 people or supplying 10 cubic metres per day are available at vesi.fi Espoo Regional Environmental Health advises residents to flush tap water before use Running the tap improves quality by ensuring fresh water from the mains Water is ready for use once it feels cool and stable in temperature If a tap has not been used for a long period flushing for several minutes may be necessary You can try searching for it through our search bar return to the homepage or you can also browse one of our 4 main categories © 2025 Copyright © Digital Infra Network Ltd Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers’ vital applications to run continuously perform optimally and grow with their business needs Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today’s data centers communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network Vertiv does business in more than 130 countries and for the latest news and content from Vertiv We are the first next generation Internet carrier Stelia is redefining the digital landscape with a native elastic connectivity platform that supports the burgeoning ecosystem of emerging Internet workloads High-capacity Wide Area Networking is more than a crucial piece of the puzzle – up until now it’s been the weakest link Stelia enables the transition to a new distributed data architecture data-intensive demands of the new breed of many-to-many workloads Whilst building Internet 3.0 by expanding into 600 sites across 30 countries in 3-5 years we’re creating more than a new backbone – we’re building a community on top of a software-defined network asset and we’re at the forefront of this change This is your invite to join us in this transformative journey to be a part of reshaping connectivity and leading the digital future VIRTUS Data Centres (VIRTUS) is a trusted global leader in the data centre industry and the UK’s leading data centre company resilient and responsible digital infrastructure for our customers As part of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) VIRTUS Europe is the home of the cloud in London the STT GDC Group operates across Singapore providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere Macquarie Asset Management acquired a significant minority stake in VIRTUS via Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 7 Macquarie Asset Management is a global asset manager providing access to specialist investment expertise across a range of capabilities including infrastructure VIRTUS has a proven track record of over a decade designing and operating the UK’s most efficient facilities Committed to the highest standards of Operational Excellence – safety security and availability – VIRTUS hires the best people to work in an industry which is increasingly essential to everyone and everything We are laser focused on responsibly delivering solutions for the benefit of our customers Accelsius empowers mission-critical data centres to meet their business and sustainability goals through next-generation cooling systems The Accelsius NeuCool™ platform delivers a patented direct-to-chip two-phase cooling technology with best-in-class thermal efficiencies safe dielectric fluid & intelligent monitoring to provide a risk-free technology that scales from a single rack to an entire data centre NeuCool technology combined with Accelsius’ robust professional services program gives data center operators the confidence to evolve cooling approaches while ensuring performance improvements & continued uptime SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group with a workforce of 3900 experts spread over 30 subsidiaries in the world control and safety of low voltage electrical networks serving our customers’ power performance pioneering the development and operation of UK and European data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing With a hyperscale-inspired and industrial scale platform scalable and sustainable home for their compute The datacenters are designed to operate with 100 percent emission-free energy and will supply heat for the cities of Espoo and Kauniainen 2022 — Microsoft today announced it intends to build a new datacenter region in Southern Finland To support customer needs for high availability and resilience the new datacenter region will feature Azure Availability Zones unique physical locations equipped with independent power and cooling for additional tolerance to datacenter failures It will join Microsoft’s worldwide network of cloud computing infrastructure of more than 60 regions over 280,000 kilometers of terrestrial and subsea fiber and cloud customers together could generate more than €EUR17.2 billion in new revenue and will add over 11,000 skilled IT jobs to the Finnish economy and individuals will be able to benefit from Microsoft’s world-class enterprise-grade security privacy and compliance services with ultra-low data latency and the ability to store data in Finland Microsoft has more than 45,000 customers and 2,000 partner companies in Finland Vero and Valtori have all expressed their excitement about the potential of what this new Azure Region will bring to the Finnish people “The decision to invest in a datacenter region that also provides surplus heat to our cities and homes is a win-win It will accelerate Finland’s digital growth while making our energy system greener I also hope that this collaboration can serve as a model to other countries and cities looking to achieve the double transformation of climate neutrality and digital competitiveness,” says Sanna Marin “Developing solutions for global challenges together with partners is a strategic priority for Fortum and we are proud to embark on this exceptional journey together with Microsoft By tapping into waste heat from datacenters businesses and public buildings in the capital area of Finland and reduce up to 400,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually This is a significant and practical step for a cleaner world,” says Markus Rauramo we are excited to see Microsoft make this investment in Finland Microsoft’s global datacenter network leverages Nokia’s high-performance datacenter switching portfolio while Nokia benefits from Microsoft’s global network of cloud services to drive digital transformation across multiple industries energy-efficient solution we look forward to benefit from reduced latency and increased throughput while further enabling the green transition,” says Alan Triggs we strive for human-centered and safe digital public services that genuinely make people’s lives and work easier Microsoft’s new environmentally friendly cloud computing facilities in Finland combined with the previously announced Microsoft EU Data boundary solution facilitate public administration organizations’ efforts to make better use of cloud technologies.” says Jarkko Levasma ”Fingrid is responsible for secure electricity transmission across the grid in Finland We are proud to be working with Microsoft to create opportunities for such a huge industrial project we have found a solution for our customers that guarantees a reliable supply of electricity to the datacenter,” said Jukka Ruusunen In a unique collaboration with Fortum Corporation the waste heat produced in the datacenters will be converted to district heating serving Finland’s second largest city Espoo and neighboring Kauniainen in what to date will be the world’s largest scheme to recycle waste heat from data centers District heating is a system for distributing heat generated either in a centralized location with fossil fuels Heat is transferred to customers through a system of insulated pipes for residential and commercial heating requirements such as space and water heating The waste heat recycled for district heating will help the City of Espoo and the neighboring communities to reach their ambitious CO2 emission reduction targets leading among other things to decommissioning of Fortum’s last coal-fired heat unit in Espoo As one of the largest purchasers of renewable energy in the world Microsoft will add to its portfolio with new renewable energy supply in Finland The company is committed to executing power purchase agreements equivalent to 100% of its energy needs by 2025 “Finland is at the forefront of digitalization and innovation and the nation’s world-class companies and forward-looking public sector organizations are leading in the digital transformation of their sectors,” said Cindy Rose “We are incredibly proud of the novel way this datacenter will sustainably power Finnish digital transformation while also heating Finnish homes and businesses and helping cities achieve their emissions targets Microsoft and Fortum combine their world leading expertise in cloud computing and sustainable energy solutions transforming the design thinking of datacenters of the future.” The Microsoft Cloud Dividend Snapshot: Finland Kirkkonummi, a municipality outside the Finnish capital of Helsinki, is built around a medieval stone church. Facing the church, a tired city library building dating to the 1980s has been renovated and expanded into a new community hub by Helsinki-based JKMM Architects JKMM has given the building a 50m-long sheltered terrace overlooking the churchyard; it has also added copper shingle cladding to the newly expanded library The existing concrete structure of the original 1980s building was used and adapted for the project The volume was doubled – in order to total 4,700 sq m – and remodelled New facilities were introduced including rooms for toddler group activities The new ground-level café has a 198 sq m reading lounge dedicated to newspapers and periodicals The reading room interiors at Fyyri include bespoke lighting with brass fittings; brass has also been used in the library’s new entrances and hand railings The main double-height reading hall is defined by a rhythmic series of straight Slatted timber walls and ceilings elsewhere in the building blur the division between architecture and interior design JKMM’s interior design team aimed to reference local nature in the choice of subdued colours and of materials such as wool and felt upholstering They worked with Finnish artist Petri Vainio to create an in-situ art piece in the ceiling of the main entrance lobby that represents a bed of reeds ‘Fyyri’s interior was designed to be welcoming and also intimate in a way that enables everyone to find their rightful home in the building,’ says JKMM interior architect Tiina Rytkonen ‘Libraries are no longer solely about books but about sharing knowledge and experiences through multiple channels,’ says JKMM founding partner Teemu Kurkela ‘This phenomenon has changed the library typology making contemporary libraries into places for finding inspiration learning new things through reading and other activities and also getting together This is why Finns today refer to libraries as public living rooms.’ JKMM is known for its work on Finnish library projects, including the design of Turku City Library (2007), as well as major extensions to two landmark libraries designed by Alvar Aalto, including Seinäjoki Library Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker YIT Corporation Investor News 1 June 2023 at 07:00 Prysmian Group Finland Oy has selected YIT as its implementation phase partner for the construction of the Prysmian tower in Kirkkonummi The implementation phase will continue the cooperation from the development phase transforming the project into an alliance project The estimated total value of the construction project is approximately EUR 65 million The contract will be entered in the order book of the second quarter of the year The building is to become a production facility of high-voltage submarine cables and Prysmian Group is responding to the energy transition as well as the fierce demand for land and submarine power cables to be expedited by the related technology High-voltage submarine cables are needed all over the world in the power transmission of investments in the green transition “This is an exceptional and demanding project and we had the pleasure of choosing a trusted Finnish operator to implement it We are convinced that the cooperation with YIT will provide the best solution for us in this crucial project which will enable us to further strengthen the role of the Pikkala plant as a leading technology hub in the field and the plant’s ability to meet the requirements set by Europe's green transition and energy independence,” says Ferdinando Quartuccio The implementation phase begins immediately and will last until the summer of 2025 when the tower is estimated for completion.  “We are excited to be part of this project which assists in enabling the green transition in energy The project enables us to use and show our diverse expertise in the construction of the tallest building in Finland,” says Aleksi Laine Finnish authorities investigating a severed undersea power cable said over the weekend that they discovered a 60-mile-long anchor drag mark on the seafloor — which they say is linked to a Russia-affiliated vessel The Baltic Sea power cable that runs between Finland and Estonia was damaged last week Authorities believe the vessel, Eagle S, is part of Russia's "shadow fleet," a network of ships with uncertain ownership used to evade Western oil sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine The ship was seized by Finland as it continues its investigation It's the latest in a string of incidents that have raised alarm bells across Europe amid fears that Russia is conducting acts of sabotage against European infrastructure in response to EU support for Ukraine has promised more military reinforcement in the Baltic Sea did not immediately respond to NPR's request for comment Russia has denied involvement in previous similar incidents Here's what we know about the severed power cable an undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia cut in an area where the seabed is difficult to access naturally Finnish authorities detected the damage during routine monitoring and quickly launched an investigation Finnish police chief investigator Sami Paila told Finnish National Broadcaster Yle that police discovered an anchor drag trail extended for "dozens of kilometers .. if not almost 100 kilometers (62 miles)," suggesting deliberate actions although having little immediate impact on services has underscored the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea The incident also followed damage to two data cables in November and bombings of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022 Investigators of those incidents have said the cables and pipelines were deliberately targeted Finnish investigators have detained the Eagle S a 70,000-ton crude oil tanker registered in the Cook Islands The vessel was operating in the vicinity of the cables at the time of the incident and had set off from Russia the day before Finnish authorities said they noticed the Eagle S had slowed down as it passed over the cables at around the same time that the incident occurred Finland's National Bureau of Investigation on Saturday said it was investigating the ship under criminal charges including aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference of communications It also said the ship's crew members were being questioned Authorities confiscated material from the ship for analysis a process they said could take several months to complete European leaders have condemned the incident emphasizing the urgency of protecting critical infrastructure "Undersea cables and pipelines connecting our countries across the Baltic Sea have been there for years without any major incidents nor damages," Lauri Läänemets even naïve to think that 3 such incidents in just a year could be merely a coincidence." Läänemets was cautious about directly blaming Russia for this latest incident as Finland continues its investigation but he did say Europe needed "to take decisive steps sanctioning Russia's shadow fleet operating on the Baltic Sea." Finland and Estonia promptly called on NATO to bolster its presence in the Baltic Sea NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced plans to enhance military operations in the region But some accuse the EU of not being quick enough "We have been too slow in our action," Marko Mihkelson, the chair of the Estonian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, told NPR on Friday referring to the EU's failure to respond to previous similar incidents In November, two fiber-optic Baltic Sea cables were severed. German officials called it sabotage and the Danish navy stopped a Chinese cargo ship that passed over both cables In October 2023 a Chinese ship dragged its anchor hundreds of miles destroying undersea cables and an undersea gas line connecting Finland and Estonia China said its ship was responsible but said it was an accident "We said after the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland What can we do to secure critical infrastructure?" Mihkelson said adding he would "like to see more robust action from the side of NATO." The European Commission has proposed targeted sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet These measures aim to deter future sabotage and reduce the fleet's impact on global security and the environment Russia's shadow fleet refers to a network of older vessels used to evade Western sanctions and The ships take steps to sell Russian oil while concealing its origin These tankers often operate without Western-regulated insurance and employ tactics such as signal jamming to hide their movements. Many are registered under foreign flags to obscure their origins Following the European Union's price cap on Russian oil, nearly 70% of Russia's oil exports are now transported by these fleets according to a European Parliament briefing Analysts believe the Kremlin has invested billions to expand this network with the alleged covert operations being used to create instability across Europe "Russia has dramatically stepped up its game in its operations against democratic European countries," Janne Riihelainen a national security columnist for multiple Finnish news outlets He added: "Russia is stepping up pressure against the West amid its continued support for Ukraine by trying to disrupt the lives of everyday people." Become an NPR sponsor Italian cabling giant Prysmian Group has awarded Finnish construction and development company YIT with a contract to build warehouse facilities at the production site for submarine cables in Kirkkonummi Under the contract valued at approximately €35 million YIT is in charge of the expansion of four hall buildings and the construction of a new material warehouse in the area The contract includes demanding ground engineering The project is expected to be completed in June 2026 YIT was also chosen as the implementation phase partner for the cable tower project in the summer of 2023 The tower reached its ridge height of 185 meters at the end of last year and is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2025 “We are pleased to continue our cooperation with YIT in the expansion of Prysmian’s submarine cable center of excellence and factory production capacity in Pikkala The contract now signed is a natural continuation of the ongoing cable tower construction project which has progressed according to plan and on schedule,” said Ferdinando Quartuccio Prysmian reported in June 2023 that it was investing around €120 million in the plant in Pikkala in order to further increase the production capacity of 525 kV HVDC submarine cable systems This latest investment comes as a response to the growth in demand for land and submarine power cables accelerated by the energy transition and related technology Follow Offshore Energy’s Subsea on social media: Daily news and in-depth stories in your inbox The Pioneers of Offshore Engineering GustoMSC part of NOV’s Marine and Construction business is recognized for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment and technical knowledge into realistic & innovative ideas The performance of new and existing jack-ups Helsinki City Environment Division has proposed the sale of a large forest area in Kirkkonummi’s Kauhala district to the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation The proposed transaction involves over 200 hectares of land with the aim of turning the area into a permanent nature reserve The city and the foundation have held negotiations regarding the deal The City Environment Committee will review the proposal in its meeting on 25 March The suggested purchase price is €1.9 million The organisation acquires land using donated funds and seeks to secure long-term protection under the Nature Conservation Act the foundation’s landholdings in Uusimaa would more than triple It currently owns 78 hectares of protected land in the region Helsinki aims to divest landholdings outside its municipal borders that are not directly linked to core city operations The sale would represent a step forward in achieving this target The Kauhala land has been under city ownership since the 1960s but is no longer used for forestry or other municipal purposes According to a regional environmental study linked to Uusimaa’s land use planning the Kauhala area includes some of the most ecologically valuable unprotected forest tracts in the region The study identified the site as one of the largest remaining natural forest entities yet to be conserved The City Environment Committee has previously stated that Helsinki is open to transferring significant nature areas outside city limits provided the buyer's purpose is the preservation or enhancement of natural values Efforts to find a suitable buyer for Kauhala have been ongoing The proposed conservation area would strengthen the ecological network of forest habitats around the capital region the land transfer would contribute to national and regional conservation targets by ensuring long-term protection of old-growth and semi-natural forest landscapes in southern Finland The city has no active operations in the area The land has not been used for forestry for several decades The Helsinki studio JKMM—no stranger to library design—conceived Fyyri cool building that does more than a traditional library In November, Kirkonummi, Finland was graced with an inspiring new cathedral. Not far outside Helsinki, it connects visitors to nature and to each other instead of spirit, to facts instead of faith. But there’s plenty of fiction here, too: Fyyri is a cathedral of books, a library retrofitted by Helsinki-based studio JKMM in a comprehensive adaptive reuse project Built using the roughly triangular footprint and concrete structure of the original 1980s-era library it was designed as a learning environment and multifunctional space for a variety of users The studio’s first project in 2007 was a competition-winning building in Turku, which pioneered the idea of the library as community and cultural hub, followed by two extensions of landmark Alvar Aalto–designed libraries its re-do of Fyyri doubles the volume of the original building while accommodating living room-like spaces for toddlers as well as a café with a 2,131-square-foot reading lounge With a nearby open-air market and medieval stone church the 50,590-square-foot library forms part of the city’s civic heart But the ambitious variegation of the library’s functions make it a truly vibrant community hub Nordic countries made the shift to mixed-use libraries early when they began to consider the public facilities not just as buildings but as services Low-slung and crowned with copper shingles that resemble a giant fishing net from street level it features perforations on the west side louvres that suggest an archipelago Both are a nod to Kirkkonummi’s long Baltic coastline and the municipality’s maritime heritage JKMM also evoked the shoreline with a subdued color palette and the use of natural materials like wool and felt upholstery The main reading hall features a rhythmic series of column-like framing transparent floor-to-ceiling stripes through which copious a 164-foot-long glazed terrace looks onto the old stone church “Mothers leave their babies sleeping in prams there while watching over them from inside the library café sitting at a table over a cup of coffee and facing the long stretch of glass wall that brings the outdoors inside the building,” founding partner Teemu Kurkela says “I think it is this liminality that has made the building so well-received.” You may also enjoy “A New Building Opens at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston” Would you like to comment on this article? Send your thoughts to: [email protected] Register here for Metropolis’s Think Tank Thursdays and hear what leading firms across North America are thinking and working on today Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the latest updates subscription deals delivered straight to your inbox Facility is being built next to Microsoft's upcoming data center Fortum has begun construction on a heat pump plant in Finland's Kolabacken region of Kirkkonummi The plant is being built on Microsoft's data center site, where the tech giant is currently building its first facility in Finland Another Microsoft data center is being built in Espoo The proposal is believed to be the world's largest data center heat recovery project The Fortum plant will be able to produce district heat independently with air-to-water heat pumps and electric boilers which it will do when it launches in late 2025 When the two Microsoft data centers come online they will then provide their waste heat to the site The facilities are expected to provide around 40 percent of the district heating needs of Espoo The recycling of waste heat is expected to result in a gradual reduction of CO2 emissions of around 400,000 tonnes "Fortum is committed to phasing out the use of coal in district heat production by the end of 2025 at the latest in the district heating network of Espoo and Kirkkonummi in Finland," project manager Teemu Nieminen said on the way to a carbon-neutral Finland." The project was awarded European Union NextGenerationEU funding and investment support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Data Centre Dynamics Ltd (DCD), 32-38 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH Email. [email protected]DCD is a subsidiary of InfraXmedia There are more than 30 beaches in the Espoo and Kirkkonummi area offering a perfect setting for fun-filled summer days Espoo Region Environmental Health Services regularly checks beaches and monitors bathing water quality during the summer Three samples are taken at the small beaches and five samples at the larger beaches (so-called EU beaches) during the summer The samples are analysed for faecal bacteria and the presence of blue-green algae is also examined when collecting the samples Blue-green algae is often found at some beaches in Espoo and Kirkkonummi. The algae can be harmful to health. Young children especially should not swim in the water if blue-green algae is present. Some blue-green algae may produce liver toxins or neurotoxins. Blue-green algae may also cause nausea and eye, nose or lung symptoms. The blue-green algae situation at a beach may change rapidly, so it is important to visually assess the situation before entering the water. Here are two tips for identifying blue-green algae: It is important to take care of hygiene at the beach, as swimmers’ behaviour has a significant impact on water quality. Please follow these instructions to help maintain good bathing water quality. P.O. Box 1, 02070 CITY OF ESPOOEspoo Info | switchboard 09 816 21 Kirkkonummi on aktiivinen ja monipuolinen kunta Suomen etelärannikolla hyvien liikenneyhteyksien varrella 20 km Helsingistä länteen Kirkkonummen kulttuuriperintöä edustavat keskiaikainen kivikirkko kansallisromanttinen arkkitehtiateljeekoti Hvitträsk sekä Porkkalan vuokrakaudelta 1944 – 1956 peräisin olevat museoesineet ja maastokohteet Pitkästä historiasta huolimatta Kirkkonummi on koko ajan liikkeellä kohti uutta Luontoharrastajalle Kirkkonummella on kiehtovia retkeilyreittejä Linlossa ja Meikon erämaajärven luonnonsuojelualueella sekä Nuuksion kansallispuistossa ja Porkkalan saaristomaisemissa jotka ovat myös lintuharrastajien suosiossa Veneilijöille löytyy Kirkkonummen Porkkalasta viihtyisä vierasvenesatama palveluineen Porkkalanniemeltä löytyy Uudenmaan hiljaisin paikka Elämysretkeilyä etsivälle Kirkkonummella on tarjolla seikkailua ympäri vuoden: melontaretkiä koiravaljakkoajelua ja vaikkapa kalliokiipeilyä Peuramaan laskettelurinteet kutsuvat kaikenikäisiä heti ensipakkasten jälkeen lasketteluharrastuksen pariin Hevosharrastajille Kirkkonummelta löytyy useita tasokkaita talleja Golfin ystäviä palvelevat Kirkkonummen golfkeskukset Kirkkoarkkitehtuuriltaan kiinnostavia tutustumiskohteita keskiaikaisen kivikirkon ohella ovat Upinniemeen vuonna 1965 valmistunut merikappeli sekä Haapajärven puukirkko vuodelta 1823 Mielenkiintoinen kohde on myös Jorvaksessa sijaitseva Pokrovan luostariyhteisö ortodoksikirkkoineen Tutustu tapahtumiimme Tapahtumakalenterissa (www.tapahtumat.kirkkonummi.fi)  jakohteisiimme Visit Kirkkonummi -matkailusivustolla (www.visitkirkkonummi.fi) – Tervetuloa Ota meihin yhteyttä: visit@kirkkonummi.fi Visit Kirkkonummi -sivusto Kirkkonummen kunta | Tapahtumakalenteri Fortum logoFortum logoFortum FORTUM CORPORATION INVESTOR NEWS 21 JUNE 2023 AT 15:30 EEST Construction of Fortum’s sustainable heat solutions on the two sites will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the heat production with air-to-water heat pumps and electrical boilers is expected to start by the end of 2025. The investment decision of the Espoo project is subject to legally binding city zoning permits, while the city zoning of the Kirkkonummi site is already legally binding. The timetable for Microsoft's data centre projects will become more precise once the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures have been completed and the building and environmental permits for all sites have been approved. As part of the Espoo Clean Heat decarbonisation programme, Fortum’s coal burning Suomenoja 1 combined heat and power unit in Espoo will be closed latest at the end of 2025 and the use of oil and gas ramped down before 2030. © Fortum 2025 The philosopher Esa Saarinen has chosen Kirkkonummi Main Library as the winner of this year’s Finlandia Prize for Architecture The new building envelopes the original library from 1982 This year’s prize is the eighth Finlandia Prize for Architecture presented by the Association of Finnish Architects (SAFA) New standard set in promised land of libraries Fyyri’s architecture skilfully highlights the twin raison d’être of every library: books and reading Esa Saarinen praised the way Fyyri embodies the pillars on which the Finnish library institution rests: democracy the cultural and intellectual dimension and an enduring faith in humanity “Libraries must be capable of moving with the times and that is precisely what has happened in Kirkkonummi Through our libraries we commit a collective act of service for the benefit of our community we build our futures by offering everyone a space where they can think more using fresh words and previously undiscovered nuances All libraries emerge from the profoundly and enduringly relevant philosophical notion that is also the cornerstone on which our democracy equality and belief in humanity all depend,” Saarinen says Fyyri is a ‘multifunctional space’ but such managers fail to do it justice It’s about setting the stage for new and unexpected encounters and about the vitally important collective phenomenon that arises when people experience a sense of ownership and belonging over something that they share its ability to breathe in tandem with the human organism in the dimension that we often describe as our soul,” Saarinen adds Jukka Mäkinen as the project architect and Tiina Rytkönen as the interior architect JKMM has been involved in a number of new-generation library projects “We like to think of Finnish libraries as a sort of infrastructure for happiness it is a great privilege to be involved in these projects The Finnish library institution is more than 100 years old and it keeps going from strength to strength re-inventing itself every ten years or so,” lead designer Teemu Kurkela said Fyyri’s main entrance is located in a spot where the historic King’s Road the historic location was a source of particular inspiration for the designers “It has been a wonderful experience for us to be involved in creating a new centre for Kirkkonummi The library has a unique role to play as a public building flanked by the city’s market square and medieval church If the church is the heart of the community here then we like to think of the library as its imagination,” Mäkinen said the nominees shortlisted for this year’s Finlandia Prize for Architecture were Ylivieska Church and the City of Helsinki Urban Enviroment Division headquarters Finlandia Prize for Architecture and members of the Pre-Selection Jury The Finlandia Prize for Architecture is awarded for the design or renovation design of an outstanding new building or building complex that has been completed within the past three years The prize may be awarded either to a Finnish or foreign architect or to an architectural firm for a project designed for a location in Finland; or to a Finnish architect or architectural firm for a project designed for a location abroad The recipient of the Finlandia Prize for Architecture is chosen by a public figure who is a recognised expert in an area other than architecture The winner is selected from a shortlist of projects chosen by the Pre-Selection Jury The purpose of the prize is to promote the appreciation of high-quality architecture and to highlight the importance of architecture in generating cultural value and increasing well-being The 2021 pre-selection jury comprised Professor Saija Hollmén Professor Panu Lehtovuori and architect Mona Schalin The secretariat was provided by Paula Huotelin Secretary General of the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA) The Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA) is a non-profit professional organisation engaged in active efforts to promote architecture and high-quality living environments all of whom are architects with a university degree © Helsinki Times All rights reserved.  Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Project: Kirkkonummi LibraryArchitects: JKMM ArchitectsClient: Municipality of KirkkonummiPhotographers: Tuomas Uusheimo and Pauliina Salonen Input your search keywords and press Enter. You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/ Open image viewerA seized property in Kirkkonummi owned by the Russian business executive Boris Alyoshin STT7.11.2023 14:04•Updated 8.11.2023 18:11The National Enforcement Agency has seized the Kirkkonummi vacation properties of sanctioned Russian business executive and former state official Boris Alyoshin The agency seized two adjacent lots valued at 2.5 million euros at the request of the Finnish Foreign Ministry The main property is a 1.6-hectare seafront holiday home lot that Alyoshin bought for 2.3 million euros in 2018 the Defence Ministry granted him permission to purchase the neighbouring lot for 250,000 euros The EU added the 68-year-old to its sanction list last June for his links to Russia's defence industry including companies manufacturing MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets as well as drones the newsmagazine Suomen Kuvalehti suggested that in the early 2000s Alyoshin served as a deputy prime minister for industrial policy later working with companies linked to the aviation industry Alyoshin was head of the Russian Federal State Agency for Industries The National Enforcement Agency had kept Alyoshin's name secret but Finnish news agency STT said it had confirmed his identity and property ownership through other sources Last week police assisted the National Enforcement Authority in an operation on an island owned by arms manufacturer Igor Kesaev who is suspected of having ties to the Russian security service FSB Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here. You can comment on this article until 23:00 on 8 November. Open image viewerPolice have cordoned off the house where four people were found dead Image: Ronnie HolmbergYle News20.12.2022 14:09Four people have been found dead inside a detached house in the village of Veikkola In a press statement released on Tuesday morning police said they received a report on Monday that two people were dead inside the house A subsequent search of the property by officers led to the discovery of two more bodies Police said that the investigation into the cause of the deaths is still in its early stages and very few details can be revealed to the public at this stage they did confirm that all of the deceased are adults and no crime is believed to have taken place "There were no external signs of violence on any of the deceased We cannot speculate at this stage on the causes of death but we are trying to establish the facts," Detective Inspector Nina Kangas of the Western Uusimaa Police Department told Yle she emphasised that the investigation has only just started and police will not be ruling out any options She also declined to comment on whether the deceased were all members of the same family Open image viewerThe village of Veikkola is located in the municipality of Kirkkonummi. Image: Kristiina Lehto / YleTabloid Iltalehti reportedOpens an external website that the Western Uusimaa Rescue Department received a report at 11:17am on Monday morning from the same location about an accident involving a dangerous substance Kangas did not wish to comment to Yle on whether the report received by the rescue department was linked to the discovery of the four bodies Would you like a roundup of the week's top stories in your inbox every Thursday? Then sign up to receive our weekly email! Open image viewerPolice cordoned off the house following the discovery of four bodies on Monday 19 December Image: Ronnie Holmberg / YleYle News5.1.2023 12:35The deaths of four people in a house near Kirkkonummi in December was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust fumes of a car according to the results of an investigation by the Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) their younger relative and the relative's friend Police were called to the scene in the village of Veikkola on Monday 19 December when another relative arrived at the home and discovered the elderly couple in their bedroom A subsequent search of the property by officers led to the discovery of two more bodies in the garage Otkes noted that the elderly couple were wearing day clothes which suggests that the deaths occurred during the day on Sunday 18 December Investigators believe the two younger people were trying to install speakers in a car and kept the car's engine running while doing so An experiment conducted by Otkes and police during the course of the investigation indicated that poisonous gasses could have escaped from the garage into the residential part of the house When police arrived at the scene on Monday the patrol noted the smell of exhaust fumes in the garage and a further probe revealed that the car battery was flat Based on the Otkes report and the police's own investigation the deaths have been provisionally declared accidental "The preliminary information we have received supports our earlier conclusions that this was an accident," Detective Inspector Nina Kangas of the Western Uusimaa Police Department said The police therefore do not suspect any foul play in this case although the possibility will continue to be verified as part of the ongoing tactical investigation Would you like a roundup of the week's top stories in your inbox every Thursday? Then sign up to receive our weekly email setting a tone of celebration and reflection "Mentors play a crucial role in shaping our journey and I encourage all participants to continue seeking their wisdom," remarked Archila encapsulating the spirit of support and growth that defined the event.  the PM of NEXUS took the stage to offer insights into the unique entrepreneurial landscape cultivated within the University of Helsinki incubator programme "NEXUS offers a unique twist on entrepreneurship fostering diverse skills and a global perspective," he shared setting the stage for an evening of reflection on achievement and team collaboration.  With the conclusion of two cohorts spanning six months each, Archila highlighted the collective accomplishments and the transformative power of mentorship we celebrate not just individual achievements igniting a sense of pride among participants.  The event was proudly sponsored by Nokia, a clear demonstration of their dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability within the entrepreneurial sphere. Soma Sarkar, Head of Edge Cloud Platforms at Nokia Mobile Networks and NEXUS Mentor spotlighting the transformative potential of digital technologies in shaping a more sustainable we have the potential to drive systemic change and sustainable growth while minimizing the industry's footprint." Joined by fellow NEXUS mentor Innovation and Partner Ecosystem Lead at Nokia stressing the critical role of collaboration and innovation in tackling global challenges they inspired participants to leverage technology for positive change echoing Nokia's commitment to driving meaningful progress.  What else did our mentors have to say about the event and the journey of their mentored teams? Sergio Rodrigues offered valuable insights into the transformative journey of the participating teams With a rich background in venture investments and startup strategy Rodrigues underscored the University of Helsinki's deepening commitment to entrepreneurship "I think that the most interesting part is that the University of Helsinki is going deeper into entrepreneurship It's chosen a different way and a new alternative for students and alumni which is creating a company," he remarked.  Rodrigues expressed pride in the progress of his mentored team highlighting the importance of showcasing the journey and tangible achievements but being able to put in words what they have been achieving during these months," the NEXUS mentor explained.  aimed at transforming mushroom waste into multifunctional powder the team expressed pride in their growth within the programme thanks to our mentors," they remarked.  the team took the chance to advance the testing of their product at the event which shows potential for various applications including vegan meat they shared their plans post-NEXUS: "Moving forward we're currently finalizing our second pilot Our next vital step is to forge partnerships with industrial partners for further product testing and development our aim is to secure our first customer," they outlined emphasizing their aspiration to move from ideation to practical implementation.  Reflecting on their relationship with their mentors Luis expressed gratitude for their invaluable support "My relationship with mentors has been fantastic in every way from the small things like buying us lunch to actually coming on board as board members and helping us grow after the programme," he noted highlighting their evolution from a simple laundry service to incorporating sustainability and AI into their business model we were just a simple pickup and delivery laundry service But now we're incorporating sustainability and global expansion into our direction," Luis explained illustrating their readiness to scale their venture globally.   As we celebrate the achievements of our remarkable teams from the second batch of NEXUS we're excited to extend an invitation to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to join us for our third edition With two successful cohorts and 38 funded teams securing nearly 6 million euros in funding NEXUS continues to be a beacon of opportunity and growth in the entrepreneurial landscape.  With our University of Helsinki-affiliated programme focused on Deep Tech we're committed to nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking ventures our goal is to equip you with the tools and support needed to turn your vision into reality From setting up your company to launching your product or service and securing funding our mentor-driven program offers guidance from seasoned mentors and international industry experts.  seize this opportunity to join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs Apply now for the chance to be a part of NEXUS and embark on a journey of innovation The programme is free of charge and will run from 6 May to 11 November 2024 check out more info about the programme below!   Andrés Archila Email: andres.archila@helsinki.fi Mobile: +358 50 521 5286                      Alfonso Gutierrez Global Corporate Partnerships (in mentor and corporate matters)  Email: alfonso.gutierrez@helsinki.fi Mobile: +358 50 432 1815  safety authority saysThe bodies of four people were found inside a detached house in the village of Veikkola Open image viewerA police cordon surrounds the house where the bodies of four people were discovered earlier this week. Image: Ronnie Holmberg / YleYle News21.12.2022 14:45The sequence of events that led to the deaths of four people inside a detached house in the village of Veikkola the Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) said on Wednesday told the Finnish news agency STT that of the four adults found inside the house earlier this week two were elderly and the other two were younger He added that a preliminary probe into the incident is currently underway to determine whether the police Otkes or both should continue the investigation "We are investigating the scene together with the police looking at the background material and seeking confirmation of our thinking about what has happened," Valonen told STT Investigators already have an idea of the course of events "The essential thing to look for is the forensic evidence They either support the theory or rule things out," Valonen said He added that Otkes' task in these cases is to find out what has happened and report that information to the public so that lessons can be learned and the same thing does not occur again police said they have no reason at this stage to suspect that any crime had taken place the property Would you like a roundup of the week's top stories in your inbox every Thursday? Then sign up to receive our weekly email! Open image viewerPolice suspect that the gang smuggled 46 kilograms of cocaine into Finland Image: Itä-Uudenmaan poliisilaitosYle News30.7.2024 16:38The Eastern Uusimaa Police have been investigating a large international Polish-led organised crime group suspected of importing raw ingredients for drugs and narcotics into Europe The police held a press conference on Tuesday announcing their investigation into the gang The group is suspected of manufacturing drugs in various European countries and transmitting the finished narcotics across the continent The organised crime group was Polish-led and is suspected of importing and distributing drugs in Finland in what police describe as "exceptionally large quantities" The preliminary investigation has focused on suspected drug importation and distribution in Finland and drug distribution from Finland to other countries The preliminary investigation has been named Operation Sunset and the case is being handed over to prosecutors Authorities estimate the resale value of the drugs distributed in Finland at more than 11 million euros the group's activities have been highly professional The organisation had drug manufacturing facilities in several countries where drugs were manufactured from drug precursors mainly originating in Asia Police say the drugs were imported into Finland by an organisation led by a man from Poland The organisation had acquired its Finnish customer contacts through the leader's Finnish girlfriend She was in charge of distributing drugs in Finland and the expansion of the customer base Open image viewerThe organisation is suspected of having imported amphetamines and amphetamine ingredients into Finland Image: Itä-Uudenmaan poliisilaitosBy air to Finland caught at a cottage in KirkkonummiIn May 2023 whose identity and connection to a Polish-led criminal organisation had become clear from previously conducted device searches The man and two others were eventually apprehended by the police at a cottage in Kirkkonummi where they were running an amphetamine base oil precipitation process Police seized almost six kilos of amphetamines at the cabin The Kirkkonummi case has already been heard by the Eastern Uusimaa District Court the court sentenced the three men to prison sentences the longest of which is nine and a half years the police began to target the Polish man and his Finnish partner with extensive covert intelligence gathering and enforcement measures The couple were arrested in late December after they visited an apartment in Kerava The flat was being used for crystallising alpha-PHP adding that the ring had sent significant quantities of amphetamine base oil to Finland on several occasions The drugs were refined into a crystalline form for use in Finland large single shipments of ingredients for the narcotics alpha-PVP and alpha-PHP are believed to have been brought to Finland These substances have continued to be used to manufacture ready-to-use drugs Open image viewerA picture of the manufacturing process released by the police Image: Itä-Uudenmaan poliisilaitosLabs in Airbnb rentalsRefining and manufacturing the drugs mainly took place in private homes and cottages in some cases through rentals listed on the online platform Airbnb Several dozen people have been questioned and several arrested in the case It is suspected that most of the amphetamines imported into Finland was in the form of amphetamine base oil The gang produced and distributed approximately 1,600 kilograms of amphetamines out of this base oil Police also suspect that approximately 46 kilograms of cocaine roughly 31 kilograms of other synthetic drugs approximately 40,000 ecstasy tablets and around 20,000 Subutex tablets were imported into Finland by the organisation Significant quantities of drugs linked to the organisation have been seized in Finland 500 grams of cocaine and 3,000 Subutex tablets Published in 6/2020 - Development Project Review The old Kirkkonummi Library from the 1980s is gobbled up by the new Fyyri. Anni Vartola visits the new library designed by JKMM Architects If anyone is confused about the meaning of the word upcycling I highly recommend a field trip to Kirkkonummi The new main library shows us how old buildings can be recycled and updated to give them new life but all three wrapped up in one: the old 1982 library building designed by Ola Hansson has been gobbled up Even though the coupling of the old with the new has brought on the demise of the trusty old library what the Kirkkonummi community has gained in return is a hybrid clad in an undulating copper armour and a lacy veil of perforated aluminium lattice representing a type of utilitarian architecture that is both boldly assertive and yet firmly rooted in reality As the product of quality-conscious public development and of architects who know their craft and have fearlessly seized the opportunities presented Fyyri is a gift to people of all ages and social standings in Kirkkonummi.  Most of our new public libraries over the past few decades have come about as the result of design competitions but JKMM received the commission through a traditional invitation to tender The original design task was quite straightforward: the old library building simply needed renovating and expanding the preconceived notions turned out to be too optimistic The old library was in poorer condition than expected and the property was also found to be too small for an extension that would do justice to the value of the site and meet the many spatial needs specified The library is located right next to the medieval stone church in the very centre of Kirkkonummi making the site simply too exquisite and the old library building far too outdated to merit the marrying of the old with the new in a humbly servile and amiable manner The architects’ long-standing experience in designing public libraries and the seamlessness of teamwork is visible everywhere you look in Fyyri – in the facades and overall appearance that are just special enough; in the interior that flows effortlessly from one space to the next; in the controlled and tantalising richness of views opening out towards the church and to various parts of the building; as well as the interior design with its harmonious world of colour and light This library is easy to breathe in because it does not discern or point fingers but rather brings everyone and everything together The administrative boundaries between different operators are visible only in signs and the curtain rails scattered here and there to provide possibilities for dividing the space This is accomplished despite the fact that a café run by rehabilitative work services and a community park offering open early education services have all settled under one roof.  libraries have long since ceased to be dedicated to the avid readers among the impeccably behaved cultured class; the first steps towards an era of more diverse information and a pluralist view towards the education and participation of active citizens were taken back in the 1990s Fyyri has also needed to accommodate play nooks and sewing machines project architect Jukka Mäkinen and their team have had quite a puzzle to solve which was not made any easier by the fact that everything had to be overlapped and folded around the incorporated frame of the old library building and within the limits set by the confined property The story room has found its niche under the stairs fitted out for versatile presentation and performance uses is housed in the far north point of the building and has its own entrance for evening use with space that can be screened off from the main library hall and used as a green room While not all of the rooms have clearly been afforded the same careful attention as the main areas – some have been left to make do as passable and rather pared-down spaces within the deep frame – every purpose has still managed to find its own as well as the library bus ramps and loading docks and materials handling spaces have been reconciled to ensure that no-one is disturbed by others but everything runs smoothly the seam between the new and the old parts is noticeable only in the wall fragments that run through the space like a dash line and serve as unobtrusive yet effective space dividers.  And as if all of this were not enough of a balancing act the strict surface area criteria of the Ministry of Education and Culture project grant were a tough nut to crack A reminder of these is seen in the triangular outdoor patio in connection with the personnel facilities that appears as if it were an unintended bit left over from space divisions; Chief Librarian Margareta Kull-Poutanen explains that if it had been incorporated into the interior the permitted surface area specified in the project grant would have been exceeded.  Successfully implemented architecture can even be too attractive The popularity of the new library has surprised the people working in the building The flood of visitors has caused pressure on customer service and the sporadic disturbances that come as a flipside of the principle of openness have tested the personnel’s patience and taxed the further development of an even more multidisciplinary cooperation Successfully implemented architecture can even be too attractive: some have felt that the children and teenagers jumping on the giant felt “boulders” and frolicking on the climbing ramp of the play nook in the children’s section located in pride of place immediately next to the main lobby a visitor stopping by to have a cup of coffee and read the papers by the glass wall wrapped around the exterior wall of the old library building enjoying the new views opening out towards the church The large library hall has cleverly been located further away and the quietest study areas are on another floor entirely Comparisons between Fyyri and the other libraries designed by JKMM such as the Turku Main Library (2007) or Seinäjoki’s main library Alpila (2012) A familiar echo from Turku are the large window walls that deliver an unrestrained and intimate connection between the interior and exterior spaces as well as the ample use of wood and the colourful patterns in the children’s section which have been created for Fyyri by illustrator Linda Bondestam with her felt inlay piece depicting seabed vistas An almost unobtrusive yet clever artistic detail is the “reversed reeds” hanging from the ceiling in the main lobby: the light art installation Sinne-Minne by Petri Vainio An idea recycled from Seinäjoki is the bevelled slashed and squashed box shape of the building the copper shingle used as exterior cladding the multi-purpose reading stairs and the reading nooks carved into an interior wall What all three libraries have in common is the strong spatial feature of the ceiling and the ambitious interior design that speaks of exceptional dedication to the task the rhythmic strokes of the concrete beams in the ceiling seem to float high up in the air and the window facade is divided into narrow streaks to let in a steady stream of soft natural light The 48-metre white concrete reading desk integrated into the window wall is enough to instil an air of quiet discipline and order in the library hall that is sure to appeal to the friends of traditional libraries The material and colour palette selected by interior architect Tiina Rytkönen – white concrete coupled with the berry reds and blues of the accents furniture and fixtures – do not come across as too bleak nor too wooing but rather give gently determined cues towards creating airy visual space for books and visitors alike The design of the lighting fixtures deserves a special mention: Fyyri’s customised brass fixtures produced in collaboration with Saas Instruments inject this multi-purpose centre with just the right dose of the dignity and uniqueness that is expected of public cultural construction Drawing parallels with the Oodi Central Library in Helsinki (ALA Architects 2018) is perhaps unfair The freedom of expression in new library architecture seems to be restricted by the long tradition of cultural buildings on the one hand and the typological fluidity caused by the values crystallised and the functional changes instituted by the new Public Libraries Act that came into force in 2017 How to be a multi-purpose civic centre and a dignified cultural building all at once How to be a monument without being too monumental – and what are the imaginary shared values that a library should stand to remind us of in this day and age How is one to balance the architectural character in a way that the library/non-library becomes a locally significant public building while also delivering the kind of familiarity and approachability in terms of the user interface that turns the building into a low-threshold “living room” for the townsfolk When is a library too much or too little like a library our 21st-century flagship libraries have been seeking a balance between heroic artistry and a grunge-like roughness that lends itself to rapid updates extravagantly sweet confectionary creation Fyyri is a hearty three-course family dinner Even though we are sitting at the table with just the immediate family we are still observing a degree of formality wearing our Sunday clothes and minding our manners Fyyri is ordinary enough and yet quite special at the same time because it manages to create a new language of expression for communicating the changing – already changed – habitus of the public library institution even industrial ruggedness of the exterior envelope turns into surprising vividness in the interior Fyyri is also both equitable and hierarchical all at once: there is a playfulness mundanity and ordinariness within the diverse richness of the interior spaces but one can also sense sombre solemness and even a perpetual constancy indicative of the monumental heritage of libraries Fyyri is as much a pleasant community playground as it is a shrine for reading and literature because JKMM has been able to surrender to unpredictability conducts research on postmodern architecture and runs an online architecture bookshop Article Utilising to-be-demolished buildings for temporary art shows is becoming a formalized urban development practice it disregards the potential of existing urban spaces and ignores the temporary use and artistic agency as vehicles for place-shaping The research-based colour design is weakly known in Finland Colour researcher Saara Pyykkö shares her insights on what an architect should know about colour Interview We asked the architects of the Serlachius Art Sauna how they approached the design task Subscribe Open image viewerTurku's old railway station will be replaced with a new one on the other side of the tracks Image: Kalle Mäkelä / YleYle News14.3.2024 11:45Track work will interrupt train traffic between Turku and Helsinki for more than a month next summer Rail improvements by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will result in a long disruption of train service between Helsinki and the southwestern cities of Turku The five-week train stoppage begins just after the Midsummer holiday weekend The Rantarata ("coastal route") will be shut down from 24 June to 28 July long-distance trains between Helsinki and Turku’s Kupittaa station and commuter trains on southerly Karjaa-Hanko route will be replaced by buses the replacement buses will continue from Kupittaa to Turku's main railway station – which is closed for a major overhaul – as well as to the port of Turku to coincide with ferry timetables Turku’s main station is being relocated to the Logomo building on the other side of the tracks from the old station That project has been underway since mid-2022 with a potential completion date in December this year blasting work will also be carried out as part of the Espoo Rail Line project Kauniainen and the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency to build two new tracks between Leppävaara and Kauklahti in Espoo It is intended to boost the punctuality and efficiency of rail service from the capital region towards Kirkkonummi which calls it "an important step towards emission-free transport," says it will be completed in 2028 there will be interruptions in commuter train services between Helsinki and the western suburb of Kirkkonummi between May and September There will be 24-hour breaks each Sunday in May and September along with three 48-hour breaks over weekends in late August and September Espoo is also planning two new Metro branch lines One would link Matinkylä with Espoo centre while the other would connect the Metro’s current terminus in Kivenlahti to Kauklahti These would link up with the Rantarata train line route which connects the capital region with its outer western suburbs and eventually Turku on the southwest coast Meanwhile, the fate of a controversial, costly proposal for a "one-hour train" link between Helsinki and Turku via a new inland route remains uncertain. Municipal officials say they are trying to determine whether or not any special environmental permits were required for the project Tempers are flaring in Porkkalanniemi over a motocross track built by Finnish formula racing celebrity Kimi Räikkönen locals believe that Räikkönen did not have the permits required to build the racing course Parts of the Porkkala area are to be designated a nature reserve next year when Finland celebrates 100 years of independence eastern Finland in a bid to achieve national park status marine and archipelagic zones are considered to be important outdoor recreational sites Municipal officials in Kirkkonummi said they are now looking into whether or not any kind of official permits are required for such types of construction Local officials said that they were told that building the course mainly required felling trees as well as excavating and moving earth activities for which landowners don’t need special permission However they pointed out that depending on the scale of project "We have requested a report on the operation from the landowner On the basis of that we will then decide whether or not a permit is needed," Kirkkonummi’s environmental chief Sari Soini told Yle Svenska Räikkönen established his own motocross team back in 2011 "Ice Man" which he acquired for his cool and unflappable demeanour under pressure and especially during interactions with the media Open image viewerImage: AOPThe team is currently competing in the Motocross World Championship with the name Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Yle contacted team manager Antti Pyrhönen by phone but he declined offering a comment on Räikkönen’s motocross track project Meanwhile Porkkalanniemi residents and cottage owners said they are considering filing a complaint about the track with local police "In my view Räikkönen’s motocross track violates traffic and environmental protection laws The municipality’s environmental department should have called for a permit before the track was built," said Patrick Eriksson who owns a holiday home near Räikkönen’s property compared the sound of drivers practicing on the course behind his cottage to the racket generated by ten chain saws A spokesperson for the Ferrari driver said that Räikkönen intends to comply with the municipality’s request for a report but will not comment publicly on the matter Three national parks lead the pack in FinlandPublished 20142014Another diving death off Porkkala PeninsulaPublished 20142014Sources: Yle