Architectural Cases

JKMM Architects has skillfully reimagined the Kirkkonummi city library, creating Fyyri, a modern civic center that thoughtfully integrates with the municipality's historical context. The project revitalizes the area around the medieval stone church and the open market, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub. Through careful design choices, Fyyri both respects its heritage and provides a contemporary space for the community. The building's copper shingle facade, reminiscent of nautical themes, and its expansive terrace overlooking the ancient churchyard, establish a deep connection to Kirkkonummi’s past and present.

This innovative architectural endeavor exemplifies a successful dialogue between historical preservation and forward-thinking urban development. By strategically positioning the library and its associated public spaces, JKMM Architects have fostered a sense of community and reinforced the library's role as a central pillar of civic life. The design not only caters to the practical needs of a modern library but also enhances the aesthetic and cultural landscape of Kirkkonummi, ensuring its relevance for future generations while honoring its unique historical narrative.

A Seamless Blend of History and Modernity

In Kirkkonummi, Finland, JKMM Architects undertook the transformation of the city's main library into Fyyri, a vibrant modern civic hub. Situated prominently across from the town's medieval stone church, the renovated building forms a cohesive civic center alongside the nearby open market. This strategic placement highlights the library's integration into the historic urban fabric, while its contemporary design and functionality offer a renewed sense of purpose and accessibility for the community of 40,000 inhabitants. The architectural approach emphasizes a respectful yet innovative dialogue with its historical surroundings.

The reimagined library, Fyyri, showcases a distinctive 50-meter-long covered terrace that provides sweeping views of the historic churchyard, inviting contemplation and community gathering. The exterior, clad in copper shingles, evokes the region’s rich maritime legacy, creating a visual link to its past while presenting a sleek, modern aesthetic. This choice of material and design not only protects the structure but also imbues it with a unique character that resonates with both local history and contemporary architectural trends. The project successfully balances the demands of a modern public institution with the desire to honor and enhance its cultural and historical setting.

Fyyri: A New Chapter for Kirkkonummi's Public Space

Fyyri, the newly unveiled Kirkkonummi Library designed by JKMM Architects, represents a significant evolution of public space within this Finnish municipality. The architectural firm's vision was to transcend the traditional role of a library, creating a dynamic civic center that complements the existing historical landmarks. By positioning the library strategically in relation to the medieval stone church and the bustling open market, Fyyri anchors itself as a central point of activity and cultural exchange, fostering a stronger sense of community for Kirkkonummi's residents. This transformation underscores the importance of libraries as vital communal assets in the modern age.

A key design element of Fyyri is its thoughtfully conceived 50-meter-long sheltered terrace, which offers panoramic vistas of the adjacent churchyard. This outdoor extension not only provides a tranquil space for patrons but also physically and visually connects the library to its historical context, creating a seamless experience between indoor and outdoor environments. The building's striking copper shingle facade is a deliberate nod to Kirkkonummi's maritime heritage, giving the structure a distinctive and memorable presence. This material selection, coupled with the overall design, ensures that Fyyri is not merely a building but a landmark that embodies both the town's historical roots and its forward-looking aspirations as a contemporary civic and cultural institution.

Fellow Yellow Design Studio has ingeniously reimagined a once narrow and enclosed building in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills, transforming it into the expansive and inviting Osaka Pan Asian Restaurant. This ambitious project, covering 6000 square feet and completed in 2024, exemplifies innovative hospitality design. The studio's vision was to create a fluid, multi-level dining environment where the interplay of light, movement, and carefully selected materials crafts a seamless and captivating spatial narrative. The result is a vibrant establishment that draws visitors into an immersive culinary experience, reflecting a deep understanding of architectural principles applied to interior spaces.

The Osaka Pan Asian Restaurant's design ethos centers on maximizing the potential of a challenging site. The original structure presented limitations, being both narrow and inwardly focused. Fellow Yellow Design Studio addressed this by meticulously planning three distinct levels, each contributing to a sense of openness and flow. This multi-story approach not only expanded the usable area but also allowed for varied dining zones, offering different perspectives and moods throughout the restaurant. The strategic incorporation of natural light sources, such as large windows or possibly skylights, plays a crucial role in brightening the interior, dispelling any lingering sense of confinement from the building's previous state.

Materiality is another cornerstone of the Osaka project. The architects carefully chose a palette that complements the Pan-Asian theme while maintaining a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Wood, for instance, might be used extensively to introduce warmth and a connection to nature, often found in traditional Asian interiors. Glass elements could be integrated to foster transparency and visual connections between levels, enhancing the fluid movement concept. The strategic placement of furniture and decorative elements further reinforces the design narrative, guiding patrons through the space and encouraging exploration.

The transformation of Osaka extends beyond mere aesthetics; it reflects a thoughtful consideration of the guest experience. By creating an environment that is both visually stimulating and functionally efficient, the restaurant becomes more than just a place to eat; it becomes a destination. The fluid design facilitates easy navigation for both diners and staff, while the varied seating arrangements cater to different group sizes and occasions. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every visit to Osaka is memorable, from the moment guests step inside to the lingering impression left by its unique atmosphere.

In essence, Fellow Yellow Design Studio's work on the Osaka Pan Asian Restaurant in Hyderabad stands as a testament to transformative architectural design. The project successfully converted a restrictive space into a dynamic and welcoming eatery, distinguished by its seamless integration of light, thoughtful movement pathways, and a rich material palette, all contributing to an exceptional Pan-Asian dining destination.