The Nokia building, completed in 1997, was once regarded as the office building of the new generation, and its aim was to promote interaction and creative thinking in an unprecedented way.

Iconic Nokia became the world’s leading mobile phone company in the 1990s, when mobile phones became more common around the world at an incredible pace. Nokia broke many records at the turn of the millennium: it was the number one in the mobile phone market and in the peak year 2000, the company’s market value was as high as EUR 223 billion.

The architectural competition for Nokia’s new headquarters was held in 1983. The winner of the competition was Helin & Siitonen Oy. The plan differed from the Finnish tradition of architecture, where the space is dominated by a white central hall. Instead, the Nokia building combines steel, glass and wood to create impressive premises that are sure to be remembered by everyone who visits them.

The construction of the head office began in 1995 and was completed in 1997. Nokia moved to the new headquarters in Keilaniemi from its office, which was located on Esplanadi in Helsinki at the time.

Openness, interaction, creative thinking

The Nokia building was designed with an aim to create an interactive and creative working environment. This was achieved by developing flexible spaces that are suitable for both individual and group work. Openness and visibility between spaces promoted communication and encounters, which, in turn, generated new ideas. The seven floors of the building offered a total of 38,300 square metres of working space.

In 2009, the Nokia building employed approximately 2,300 people from around 50 countries. The building was one of the most international locations in Finland at the time.

ARC’s history as the former Nokia building makes it a unique office campus. However, the basic idea of the building has remained the same: ARC inspires and surprises, develops itself and other, unites and dares. It is a place where new things are being built boldly.