Opening of Keilaniemi ARC | Space for growth in a changing working life
On March 4, 2026, Keilaniemi ARC brought together experts and builders of growth to explore its versatile spaces and discuss a timely question: how do companies build growth when knowledge work is undergoing a transformation and ways of working are changing?
ARC’s renewal started with functions and people
Business Park Manager Teemu Salzwedel and Leasing Manager Ville Tanskanen shared the story behind ARC. The design started from functions and people – that is, how work is actually done in everyday life.
In addition to companies’ own offices, ARC offers shared meeting rooms, team workspaces, and lounge areas to support hybrid work and networking. The space design takes into account different work situations, from moments requiring deep focus to breaks and team days.
Espoo is growing – and Keilaniemi with it
Espoo’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Sports and Culture, Mervi Heinaro, spoke about Espoo’s development and the area’s growing appeal. The area is evolving into a modern workplace district that combines new construction, a seaside environment, and excellent transport connections, including international connections. The first residential buildings are currently being developed in the area.
According to Heinaro, Espoo is currently growing rapidly. People move here for education and expertise, and the city’s level of education is exceptionally high. The city’s role is visible in everyday life: high-quality schools and daycare, functional healthcare services, and strong sports and cultural offerings help ensure that skilled professionals thrive and that family life runs smoothly.
Development is also visible in infrastructure and accessibility. Heinaro highlighted road projects and junction improvements that will gradually enhance connections, as well as how seaside Espoo is opening up step by step. The Laguuni opposite Keilaniemi ARC and the surrounding urban waterfront development are concrete examples of this.
For companies, Keilaniemi offers strong foundations for growth: skilled professionals are nearby, and future talent is naturally drawn to the area.
Professional service companies have also relocated from Helsinki to Keilaniemi for a practical reason: clients and partners are often within walking distance.
Helene Auramo – When work changes, everything changes
Helene Auramo, CEO of Listeds, spoke directly: knowledge work is changing so fundamentally that now is the time to act.
Auramo explained that she spends considerable time working on future scenarios. According to her, organisations should move into change as soon as the direction begins to emerge. At the same time, she encouraged aiming for bigger ambitions and choosing a clear niche: “Where could I be the best in the world?” and daring to ask, “What if this could actually work like this?”
Auramo also reminded the audience that change happens in cycles and that it is important to enjoy the journey. One of the most important lessons during transformation, she noted, is knowing your own values and continuously working on them. This helps people navigate both through and around the inevitable waves of change.
To succeed in the transformation of work, knowledge workers need flexibility, proactivity, and an understanding of technology.
In leadership, Auramo sees clear signals: the era of “tough leadership” is returning. She clarified that today, this does not mean authority or command-and-control management. Instead, it refers to clarity and expectations: setting clear goals, giving responsibility, and expecting results.
Artificial intelligence also introduces new risks for knowledge workers. Auramo warned about AI burnout and emphasised that responsibility for one’s work cannot be delegated to algorithms – the ability to make independent decisions must be preserved.
According to Auramo, the true competitive advantage of the future lies in humanity. Empathy, care, and the ability to build genuine communities are qualities that AI cannot replace. AI also does not “care” in the same way humans do.
She reminded the audience why shared workplaces are more important than ever: “In spaces like this, if you have less energy yourself, you can get it from others. At home, you are responsible for your own energy.”
Matti Ristimäki – For whom are we building growth?
Serial entrepreneur Matti Ristimäki (Krosswise, 61N, Forge, Invinite) spoke about building growth in the age of artificial intelligence. According to him, growth starts with spaces, teams, and culture.
Ristimäki described the reality of the ongoing digital transformation using the metaphor of an iceberg: a small group is building today’s technology, while much of the fundamental work behind the transformation remains invisible. He pointed out that the basic skills required for digital transformation are not taught in schools. Capabilities do not appear automatically – organisations must understand and deliberately build them. Success in digital transformation requires recognising this context and building accordingly.
The foundations for growth also come from structures.
“We should build smaller entities so that organisations remain sensitive to change – in a larger monolith, it becomes much harder.”
If you are not part of the change now, others will move ahead.
In the AI era, team dynamics and creativity become even more critical. As routine work shifts to language models, the thinking, energy, and trust between people become the true source of competitive advantage.
Ristimäki also highlighted a leadership challenge: in growth companies, the vision is what people believe in. Organisations need creative teams capable of operating in a changing environment and making decisions based on that vision.
He also warned about the downside of AI models: the more dependent people become on them, the less creative their own thinking may become.
This is why the work environment itself becomes part of the strategy. Spaces must support collaboration, team dynamics, and the way people actually work together. Ristimäki emphasised that office spaces are a strategic choice. In his companies, architects are continuously involved in planning to ensure the spaces truly serve both the business and the people working there.
“Build a good place for people to be. Encourage strong emotional connection between professionals – and think about how to balance humanity with strong growth.”
Ristimäki also highlighted the importance of meaningfulness behind growth. According to him, growth should be built in a way that leaves more positive impact on society than harm, and that gives people the opportunity to learn and develop through their work.
Book your place at the centre of growth
Keilaniemi ARC has been designed for companies whose vision reaches far into the future.
Get in touch and explore the space!
Photos from the opening day
