The Ultimate Recognition – But for What?
The Finlandia Prize for Architecture is a breeding ground for a destructive myth when it comes to architectural creativity, claims Anni Vartola.
Three Cases of Nordic Suburban Renewal
The renovation, infill and renewal of suburban neighbourhoods built during the 1960s and 1970s is a burning issue across Europe. The three examples demonstrate the ways in which this problem has been addressed in Sweden and Denmark.
Transforming Suburbs – Viewpoints from Finnish Cities
Residential districts built between the 1950s and 1980s constitute a large geographic segment of Finnish cities. We asked those in charge of urban planning in our largest cities how the suburbs in their cities are being developed right now.
The Promise of Medium-Density Housing
A city that provides room for both people and nature might be found somewhere between apartment blocks and detached houses. The Asuma research project gives a new benchmark for optimal urban density.
Whose Voice Is Heard?
An architect can use their professional skills to ensure that the needs of more residents are taken into account in urban planning. The Elonkirjon kaupunki project develops alternative plans as a means to tackle the shortcomings of both official participation processes and urban activism.
What Did We Learn from the Previous Building Boom?
For the past couple of years, housebuilding has been stagnant across Finland. Homes built during the boom years that preceded the downturn have come under sustained criticism for their poor quality. What should the industry do differently when construction activity picks up again? We asked five architects to share their solutions.
Unique, Personalised and Urban Housing
When an architect or client sets out to build a multistorey residential building for their own use, the end result is often more intriguing than what is typically generated through ordinary housing production – for example, a home base for a theatrical community or a combination of a private home and an editorial office for an architectural journal.
Towards Housing Design for Shared Living
Shared living challenges the established principles of what is considered good housing design.
On the Power of Communal Living
When it comes to communal living, our differences can foster a reciprocal relationship, where no one is there to purely provide or receive support.