Creative temporary solutions were used to ensure good conditions, such as sufficient ventilation, in the conserved spaces. Fitting the old and new structures and technology together required the designers to possess sufficient knowledge – and a clear vision, above all.

“The entire project was so complex that any standard solutions were not feasible,” Mäntynen says. Managing tolerances and joining points was particularly challenging and required the designers to develop and customise the suitable details case-by-case. The extensive experience that Mäntynen and the other Sweco designers have of the various stages and alterations of Itis was essential in the project.

“I have been involved with Itis practically throughout my career, so I know the building well, and Sweco has gained the client’s trust. It feels good that we were able to be worth that trust, once again,” Mäntynen states.

Finnkino Itis will offer new and wonderful features to cinephiles

Finnkino is pleased with the skills and cooperation of the designers, including regular user design meetings where topical matters were discussed face-to-face.

“The experience of the designers was very helpful and also made communication easier,” says Janne Uusi-Kölli, Finnkino’s Development Director. Finnkino’s business needs changed during the project, which also required the designs to change. “From our perspective, the changes were mostly a ‘lucky problem’ since the matters that arose during the design process are now supporting our operations.”

The new cinema includes Finland’s first IMAX cinema, the new Oscar’s bar, two Luxe Premium auditoriums and six additional auditoriums.

”We’ve introduced many new features to the customers of Finnkino Itis, and we have also been able to complement our cinema network in the Helsinki metropolitan area,” Uusi-Kölli says. The new Finnkino cinema has been extremely well-received, and customer feedback has been positive.

“The layout of the cinema is clear, and the facilities fit well into the existing shopping centre. On the opening day, Finnkino offered great special bargains, as usual, and people were queuing up to the Itäväylä street. The sales were excellent throughout December,” Uusi-Kölli says, delighted.

Good team spirit is the basis of a successful project

The cooperation between the owner of the shopping centre, Finnkino, contractors and designers worked smoothly, and everyone aimed to fulfil the client’s most important wishes together. The quality requirements were met, as was the schedule. All official inspections were done on time, and the location was handed over to the client according to plan.

“Although this was a demanding renovation project, we were able to adhere to the schedule, and the technical results were successful. The team spirit at the worksite was also excellent from start to finish,” Mäntynen says, happy about the outcome.

The schedules and workload were actively monitored during the project using systems such as “traffic lights,” where the colours indicated which matters should be dealt with first.

“With the traffic lights, we made sure that no stage would be drawn out for too long. Any problems were actively tackled in the order of importance, and all parties were constantly aware of how the work was progressing,” Mäntynen says. “While the management of the worksite and the design was an important factor in our success, the most essential factor was skilled professionals. Everyone pulled together throughout the project.”