The Finnish Touch: Contemporary Architecture From Finland

Last weekend, August 7–9, the 13th triennial Alvar Aalto Symposium took place in the Finnish architect’s hometown of Jyväskylä, a few hours north of Helsinki. Founded in 1979, the event is not about the legacy of its namesake but rather the future of the profession the world over, and this edition included speakers from China, Brazil, and India, alongside local architects and several others.

Architect Anssi Lassila was the chairman of this year’s symposium, working closely with the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Alvar Aalto Foundation to plan the three-day event, three years in the making … all while overseeing the growth of his firm, OOPEAA. A man of few words, Lassila clearly prefers to let his work speak for itself, whether it’s a striking chapel, as seen below, or an inspiring gathering of world-class architects and thinkers.

On the occasion of the 13th Alvar Aalto Symposium, here is a selection of projects from the best young firms in Finland today.

Kuokkala Church by OOPEAA Office for Peripheral Architecture, Jyväskylä, Finland

Sited on a hill in a residential neighborhood, the imposing gray-slate exterior of this church belies its warm interior, which is clad in a distinctive diagrid shell. Completed in 2010, the Kuokkala Church has been recognized with a number of international architecture awards, but more importantly it serves as a much-needed community hub.

Arctia Headquarters by K2S, Helsinki, Finland

Mikko Summanen of K2S was among the Finnish presenters at the symposium, not to be confused with fellow speaker Mikko Heikkinen. Summanen and two other founders got their big break with the Kamppi Chapel, aka the Chapel of Silence, a hive-like public building in the heart of Helsinki. The Arctia Headquarters is intended to resemble a seafaring vessel — in fact, it floats on one of the city’s many waterways.

Chapel of St. Lawrence by Avanto Architects, Vantaa, Finland

Architects Anu Puustinen and Ville Hara founded their firm in 2004, upon winning the competition to design the Chapel of St. Lawrence. Completed in 2010, the single-story building is located on a historically important site just outside of Helsinki. The brickwork is coated in a milky white that strongly, yet felicitously, contrasts with the slate floors below and copper ceilings above.

Seinäjoki Library by JKMM Architects, Seinäjoki, Finland

The Seinäjoki Library won the Popular Choice award for Architecture + Photography & Video in this year’s Architizer A+Awards, and it’s easy to see why. The photogenic building is adjacent to the Aalto Center, an administrative and cultural building that is widely regarded as one of his most significant works.

Kuopio City Theatre by ALA Architects, Kuopio, Finland

Continuing on the success of the Kilden theater and concert hall in Norway, ALA was also a finalist in this year’s Architizer A+Awards. The Helsinki-based firm renovated and expanded the Kuopio City Theatre, drawing inspiration from the existing structure, which dates back to the 60s. Connected via a bridge-like extension of the foyer, the new building echoes the rectangular shape of the original, and houses a studio stage as well as back-of-house chambers incorporating dressing rooms and building services.

Kirkkojärvi School by Verstas Arkkitechdit, Espoo, Finland

In addition to its long history of launching the careers of young architects through competitions, Finland is known for its education system, which consistently ranks among the best in the world. The Kirkkojärvi School in the suburbs of Helsinki showcases both sides — design and education — as an extensive learning facility for children age 6–16. According to architect Jussi Palva, Verstas “wanted to make a school that works like a small, lively city,” and they have certainly succeeded.

Sra Pou Vocational School by Architects Rudanko Kankkunen, Sra Pou, Cambodia

If the above project demonstrates how Finland is known for its education system, the young firm Rudanko Kankkunen brings the country’s cultural expertise to Southeast Asia. Originally conceived while the architects were students at Aalto University for a design studio, the project was subsequently realized in 2011. Everything from the design itself to the use of local materials and the transfer of knowledge were paramount.

Biofore House by Helin & Co. Architects, Helsinki, Finland

Forestry is a major industry in Finland, and Helin & Co.’s client UPM is the world’s second biggest forestry company. UPM’s new headquarters in central Helsinki was completed in 2013. The firm won the international competition with a building not of wood but concrete, steel, and glass, in keeping with contemporary convention for large-scale office buildings.

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Can’t get enough Finnish architecture? Check out our previous collection here.