Location
Is the venue on public transport routes?
Suomenlinna: HIAP Office and studios are on the island of Suomenlinna, about a 15-minute walk from the ferry pier. The island is accessible by a ferry departing every 20 minutes from Kauppatori (Market Square) in summer and every 40 minutes in winter.
Cable Factory: HIAP studios at the Cable Factory are accessible by public transport, about a 10 minute walk from the Ruoholahti metro station and 4 minute walk from the Kaapelitehdas tram 8 stop.
Is there a local taxi company with accessible vehicles available?
Yes, most taxi companies have accessible vehicle options.
Taxis do not go to Suomenlinna. If renting a car it is possible to take a car or van on the ferry to the island. See the price list and more information on the Suomenlinna transportation website.
Is there accessible parking at the venue?
Suomenlinna: There are no designated parking spaces on the island. However, there is the option to park near the HIAP buildings. This can be discussed with HIAP’s team.
Cable Factory: There are two disabled parking spaces marked with a wheelchair sign in Cable Factory’s inner courtyard.
Where are the drop off and pick up points?
Suomenlinna: The primary drop-off and pick-up point for Suomenlinna is the Market Square in Helsinki, where the HSL ferry and water bus to Suomenlinna depart. In Suomenlinna, the main ferry pier is located in front of the Jetty Barracks, while the water bus stops at Tykistölahti and Kuninkaanportti.
Cable Factory: The primary drop-off and pick-up point for Cable Factory is the inner yard (Kappeliaukio) that can be accessed by cars from the Tallberginkatu side of the building.
How will you tell people about this?
The HIAP team shares all relevant information with residents ahead of their arrival through email communication.
Where will you publish access information?
Access information will be available on our website
Arrival and Reception
Is there a clear entrance to the building?
Suomenlinna: the entrance to the HIAP office building is under an arch separating HIAP from Nordic Culture Point.
Cable Factory: Entrance B can be accessed with an elevator from the street level and entrance C can be accessed with a ramp from the street level. These are two entrances closest to the HIAP studios.
Is the main entrance step-free? Is the door power-assisted?
Suomenlinna: There is a step at the main entrance and no power-assisted door.
Cable Factory: It is possible to access the Cable Factory studios from a street-level elevator (entrance B), there are no power assisted doors.
Can you get in without codes, keys, or passes?
Suomenlinna: You need keys to enter the studios and apartments and code to enter the building.
Cable Factory: It is possible to enter the building without codes, keys, or pass in daytime opening hours. You need keys to enter the studios and to enter the building at night.
Is the entrance and reception staffed?
Suomenlinna: The entrance and reception are not staffed.
Cable Factory: There is an info desk in the glass courtyard (lasipiha) at the Cable Factory
Is there a clear way to contact staff if not?
We share contact details via email before residents’ arrival.
Is the venue signed clearly once you’re inside?
No, neither of the venues has directions inside the building. For both locations, Cable Factory and Suomenlinna we share images with arrows prior to their arrival to help visitors to navigate them.
Does access to the building change at different times of the day?
Suomenlinna: There are no ferries to or from the island between 2 a..m. and 6 a.m. HIAP’s buildings are accessible to residents and staff 24/7. They are accessible to the public on specific event and exhibition days and times which are advertised on the event pages.
Cable Factory: Public access hours generally Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Individual businesses and venues within the Cable Factory may have their own specific opening hours, so it’s best to check the specific venue or event you’re interested in for accurate information. Residency spaces are available to the residents with 24/7 access.
Facilities
Is there a well-maintained accessible bathroom?
Suomenlinna: The HIAP toilets are not wheelchair-accessible. Accessible toilets can be found on five different locations on the island indicated on this map. The closest one to the HIAP Studios is located in the Summer Theatre (building nr 36 on the Suomenlinna visitors’ map)
Cable Factory: Cable Factory has eight accessible lavatories:
Baana – basement
Staircase A – Cable Factory’s Kahvibaari 1st and 2nd floor / 3rd floor
Staircase B – 1st floor
Staircase C – 1st floor / 3rd floor
Staircase D – basement (next to meeting rooms).
Does it require a key or code?
No
Moving around the space
Horizontal movement
Does the building have automatic doors?
Suomenlinna: No
Cable Factory: No
Are the buttons at an accessible height?
Yes
If it doesn’t, what are the best routes through the building and what support might visitors need?
Suomenlinna: Visitors might need support with the step at the entrance to the main building and steps at the entrance to HIAP Studios.
Cable Factory: Visitors might need support with opening the doors as they are not automatic.
Are there any objects, boxes, or bikes blocking corridors? Can they be moved?
Corridors are kept clear also due to the fire regulations.
Vertical movement
Is there step-free access to the building or event? This could be via a ramp or a lift.
Suomenlinna: No. There is a step and currently there are no ramps and lifts in the facilities.
Cable Factory: Yes. There are ramps and lifts and they stay available for the residents 24/7, and for the visitors during the daily opening hours.
Where are they and what’s the process for using them?
Cable Factory: There is a concrete ramp leading to the main door. The elevator to the HIAP Studios on the fourth floor that you can take from the street level is at the entrance B on the inner yard of the building.
Are there any known issues with lifts e.g. it is unreliable and often out of order?
Cable Factory: There are no known issues.
Wayfairing
Are the activity locations signposted and easy to locate?
Suomenlinna: There is a signpost in front of the building and name of the organisation lit up by the door bell.
Cable Factory: There are signs by the doors.
Is there a venue map available to send or print out?
Suomenlinna: Yes. We publish a map of the building with bigger events. Map of the area is also available here.
Cable Factory: Yes there is. It is accessible from the Cable Factory’s website here.
Is there tactile signage?
Suomenlinna and Cable Factory: Unfortunately there isn’t right now.
Are there floor numbers on lifts and in stairwells?
Suomenlinna: N/A
Cable Factory: Yes.
Reference documents: Unlimited Venue Access Checklist, Suomenlinna Accessibility guidelines, Cable Factory Accessibility guidelines