New Historicism and the Value of Novelty

In recent years, a new type of relationship with history and the use of historical references has emerged in Finnish architecture. Is this merely another way to achieve a new kind of architectural expression, or does it reflect a deeper change?

THE 2023 APARTMENT BUILDING designed by Inaro on Kaarlenkatu in Helsinki is almost indistinguishable from the surrounding early 20^th century urban fabric. The evenly spaced grid of windows is paced out by tall arched windows on the ground floor and borrows its proportions from the neighbouring buildings. The new top floor at Mikonkatu 7 by Futudesign extends a historical building from 1911 with a crown-like tower that looks like it has always been there, while the refurbished interior draws influences from mid-20^th century office buildings. Sammontalo, a new comprehensive school and multipurpose building by Nervin Architecture in Lappeenranta, then, introduces a substantial roof structure that seeks to bring a sheltered atmosphere reminiscent of vernacular architecture into the everyday environment of schoolchildren. The school building is new but does not advertise its newness in relation to its surroundings. These are among the many examples of a New Historicist trend that is spreading through Finnish architecture.

Published in 5 – 2025 - New Visions