Fyyri Library in Kirkkonummi: A Modern Civic Hub













































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.