Helsinki is really interesting, because it’s half-way between Sweden and Russia; Finland itself used to belong to both those empires of the past era. One can clearly see the influence from both East and West in the city’s architecture. If one had to generalise, one could say that Helsinki has traits from both Stockholm and St. Petersburg. Also, considering a large number of Russian tourists visiting the city, one can hear Russian language all around Helsinki.

Yes, my guess about that building is that it has something to do with the city’s water infrastructure. That’s why the jars-themed mosaic on its wall. It’s just a guess, though. :)