Tehtaanmäki Elementary School was designed in 1938-39 and taken into use in 1940. The school is associated with the Tehtaanmäki industrial area in Inkeroinen, where Aalto designed both alterations to existing buildings and new ones as well. The role of Aalto’s office was more pronounced in the planning of the residential areas and the Tehtaanmäki school.
The late 1930s and subsequent war years were difficult and still during the post-war reconstruction period there was a shortage not only of building materials but also of labour. High-quality housing, recreational opportunities and a school ensured that a family would settle permanently in the locality and provide a workforce for the factory. The Tampella company did not act directly as the developer for the building, but presumably the commission to Aalto nevertheless came via the company.
The L-shaped building is located on a slope, stepping down towards the west. Utilizing the optimal orientation of the building’s wings in terms of light, the spacious yard and the large, mullioned windows, created a bright and spacious interior. Aalto’s consideration for the scale of the child and the use of red brick and lacquered wood are typical of his modernism, in which the diversity of materials and warm tones are of central importance.
A two-storey teachers’ residence was also designed and located next to the school.
The building has been in active use already for 80 years. The changed spatial needs in recent years have made it necessary to consider a new use for the building.
