Project: Cultural center, idea-planning and various renovation projects
Architect: Wäinö.G. Palmqvist 1939-54
Location: Mannerheimintie 22-24, Helsinki
Date: 1989-
Size: 53 348  m2
Client: Kaapelitalo Ltd
Published: Arkkitehti 2/2000, Projekti Sisustus 1/2000
Links: www.kaapelitehdas.fi, valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi
Status: Under design and building process 1989-

As Nokia Kaapeli was about to move out of this huge factory building in 1980s, the city of Helsinki realized that they are about to gain ownership of a very unique building and space as well as a problem. According to the City, the entire factory wasn’t worth saving. As the industry was moving out, Nokia started renting the premises for one year. The potential of the factory and its ideological- philosophical starting point was then proven effective in practice.

Among the tenants of the Cable Factory was also Pia Ilonen and her architectural practise, later Talli Ltd which still has its office spaces in the building. On 1989 the tenants founded an association, Pro Kaapeli to fight for saving the building. While working in the association, Pia Ilonen created a plan to save the building and the activities that were prevalent at the post-industrial Cable Factory.

The Cable Factory was finally to remain in its original form. An estate company was founded in 1991. In twenty years, the Cable Factory’s operations have been established. Besides the artists and businesses, even museums and a dance center among many other tenants have found a home in the old factory.

Since 1989 Pia Ilonen and the Talli Ltd has been responsible of the development plans of the Cable factory, and of several alteration and renovation projects in the building. Among them are the Museums (Photo, Theatre and Restaurant museums) and Centre Culturel Francaise.