Campus architecture
After the World War II, the TKK facilities in Hietalahti, Helsinki had become far too crowded, and in 1949, following TKK initiative, the State decided to buy land in the Otaniemi in order to build a new campus, for which the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto made a general plan.In Otaniemi, areas were designated for the buildings of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and TKK, for student and personnel housing as well as for leisure activities for students. The first thing to be built was Teekkarikylä, (the housing ‘village’ of the student union of TKK), which also served as accommodation for athletes during the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
The main building of TKK was completed in 1965 (Alvar Aalto) and the main library in 1969 (Alvar Aalto). Dipoli, the building of the Student union (TKY) was finished in 1966 (Reima Pietilä and Raili Paatelainen, later Pietilä). In addition, a chapel was built in the village in 1957 (Heikki and Kaija Sirén).
Main Building on a Hill
In his campus plan, Alvar Aalto placed the TKK main building in a very visible, central location. Situated on one of the seven hills of the area, at the end of a row of lime trees, it is sure to be seen; its landmark feature, the striking amphitheatre-like auditorium is particularly noticeable. 
The administrative wing of the TKK main building replaced the main building of the Otaniemi manor, and the TKK main building and library now mark out the outlines of a former grain field turned into a lawn. The majority of the buildings in Otaniemi were designed at a time when the functionalist style prevailed: the decorative motifs of traditional architecture were no longer in fashion, and the only decorative elements allowed were the actual parts of the building: hand rails, windows, doors and ladders.
At the time, architects explained their choices (regarding materials, room shapes, routes and windows, for instance) with purpose and function. The choice of materials in the University buildings conveys a clear message: the red brick reminds us of old industrial architecture and symbolise the close connection between the University and Finnish industry. Aalto is known for his exceptional ability to make use of daylight. The main hall featuring Aalto’s probably most artful skylights exemplifies this skill perfectly. In the hall, Aalto has used indirect light: the light is first emitted to the white ceiling which reflects it on the hall itself.
Outdoor Lights by Aalto
The lamp-posts in the Otaniemi campus area have also been designed by Aalto. There are three types of lamp-posts: ones with a curved cover, ones with a straight cover, and ones with no cover at all. 
The cover reflects the light indirectly, and does not significantly affect the amount of light, but has above all a decorative function. Initially Aalto designed only one type of lamp-post, which he later varied. He has also designed part of the street lights in Otaniemi, for instance, the ones on Otaniementie.
Alvarin Aukio Square: At the Centre of the Scientific Community
It is impossible to overlook the central status of Alvarin aukio square when considering the activities of TKK students. Among other things, the square is used for the semester opening ceremonies in the autumn as well as for celebrating the unofficial end of the spring semester on May 1. It is on the square on April 30 at midnight that the first-year TKK students are allowed to put on the traditional hat, (‘teekkarilakki’ in Finnish) for the very first time.
New Buildings on Campus
In addition to the historical buildings, the Otaniemi area has some rather recently constructed buildings as well. The Computer Science Building (Tietotekniikan talo) was completed in 1998 and the TUAS building in 2003, while the renovation and expansion of the Nano building (Nano-talo), which offers facilities for up-to-date research in nanotechnology, was completed in 2007.