Location: Haukilahti, Espoo, Finland.

Architect: Erkko Virkkunen.

Southern Espoo’s water tower is an unmistakable landmark and a characteristic example of the Brutalist style. According to the widow of the architect Erkko Virkkunen, The Jetsons served as inspiration for the water tower’s futuristic design. The tower’s top portion has a flying saucer-like appearance similar to the Space Needle in Seattle.

Formally known as the Otaniemi water tower, it was originally intended to serve the areas of Haukilahti, Westend, Tapiola, Matinkylä, Olari, Niittykumpu and Laajalahti. From the 1960s to the early 1980s, incoming water came from the Bodom and Dämman water sources, but after the Päijänne Water Tunnel was completed in 1982 it became the principal water source. A lookout café or restaurant was planned in 1968, but nothing happened. The space was rented in 1969 by the entrepreneur couple Tauno and Lydia Roiha, who managed it until the early 2000s. Up to 1987, the restaurant held so-called “disco nights”, but has since profiled itself more as a catering restaurant and a lunch venue for corporate clients.