ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
LUOLA SPORTS AND EVENTS CENTRE
LUOLA SPORTS AND EVENTS CENTRE : A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF HERITAGE , COMMUNITY , AND MODERN DESIGN
The Savilahti Sports and Events Centre , located on Neulamäki Hill in the developing Savilahti district of Kuopio , Finland , transforms a former Finnish Defence Forces depot into a versatile multi-purpose facility .
The centre serves as a connection between a new residential area and the heart of the district , acting as a gateway to the adjacent park and local amenities .
Designed to accommodate diverse user groups — including schoolchildren , students , sports clubs , and individual citizens — the centre is also a versatile venue for large-scale events such as concerts , seminars , tournaments , and major league or international sports matches .
In addition , it functions as a shared civic shelter for nearly 7,000 people , ensuring safety and preparedness for the district .
The building stands out in the valley landscape , although most of the centre is carved into the Neulamäki bedrock . Its key feature , the 550 m ² glass- and metal-clad entrance building , houses the reception , cafeteria , and offices . It serves as the gateway to the sports and events centre , concealing escape routes and ventilation systems integrated into the tunnels behind .
The building ’ s facade reflects the district ’ s overarching public art theme “ Light ”, and is integrated with a rock face installation by artists Pasi Rauhala and Jaakko Niemelä .
The façade ’ s concave aluminium panelling , with its custom perforation pattern , is finished in an earthy tone that echoes the warm hues of the surrounding rock . This design creates a dual effect : the pavilion blends seamlessly into its natural setting while asserting a presence as a public building .
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