All photos courtesy Tuomas Uusheimo/ALA Architects
The extension takes the Metro to the west, from Helsinki to the neighboring city of Espoo. The stations are from east to west: Lauttasaari, Koivusaari, Keilaniemi, Aalto University, Tapiola, Urheilupuisto, Niittykumpu, and Matinkylä. All stations are underground and reflect the character of the neighborhood.

The Lauttasaari Metro station is marked by an artwork consisting of lights hanging from the ceiling. Lauttasaari and its sister station Koivusaari, both by Helin & Co Architects, are inspired by nature — by snow and ice in Lauttasaari, and by water and the sea in Koivusaari. The asymmetrical walls and ceiling of the Koivusaari station, which is under the sea, evoke an upturned boat and whales.
The Keilaniemi station serves a business district housing high-tech enterprises, and the station is shiny and smooth, with art suggesting digital technology. The next station, which serves the main Aalto University campus, contrasts with Keilaniemi by its matte and rough surfaces. The Aalto University station has a sculptural Corten-steel ceiling, which associates the station with the nearby red-brick campus buildings including the main building by Alvar Aalto. Both stations are by ALA Architects.
The Matinkylä, Urheilupuisto and Niittykumpu stations are by HKP Architects. The Matinkylä station is defined by an arching white aluminum web covering the ceiling, the Niittykumpu station by colorful art, and the Urheilupuisto station by heavy pillars due to structural reasons.
The total number of stations in the Helsinki metropolitan Metro system is now 25. The system runs on one 22-mile east-to-west line through Helsinki and halfway through southern Espoo. The first section of the system opened in 1982. The planning and construction of a further extension of the Metro is underway in Espoo.
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