Stories

In Depth

Phenomena — 1.4.2019

The Attraction of Opposites

Juhani Pallasmaa finds both similarities and differences in Alvar Aalto’s and Le Corbusier’s ideologies. We publish the essay originally intended for the catalogue of Jari Jetsonen's photography exhibition.

Phenomena — 1.4.2019

Visible Space for Creation

Design has long been taught at Helsinki’s Arabia district, and now a brand-new higher education cluster, specialising in the creative industries, is about to lay claim to this historic site.

Case Study — 1.3.2019

Villa Skeppet, a Building and a Home

What is it like to live in a house designed by Alvar Aalto? Sanna Tegel examines Christine and Göran Schildt's home in Tammisaari.

Essay — 1.3.2019

Seeking New Directions for More Human-Centred Housing

Housing is like a mirror that reflects the kind of society we live in. What could we learn and what sort of perspectives could we gain if we were to look back in time?

Essay — 1.3.2019

Memorandum

How does one design and build low-cost, adaptable housing? An ensemble of three apartment blocks, Oikos & Logos, was erected 2017 in Latokartano, Helsinki. Architect Tuomas Toivonen shares his views on the process.

Research — 1.2.2019

The Building that Disappeared – the Viipuri Library by Alvar Aalto

Laura Berger's doctoral thesis (2018) traces the history of Viipuri Library designed by Alvar Aalto.

Phenomena — 1.2.2019

Should Collectives Replace Starchitects?

The contemporary notion of the architect as an idealist is not a solely positive development if it doesn’t rethink the structural dimension of architectural production and work, Aleksi Lohtaja writes.

Phenomena — 1.2.2019

Schools – Interviewing the directors of architecture schools

We asked current directors of the three Finnish architecture schools to share their thoughts on architectural education and the school's focus areas.

Phenomena — 1.2.2019

Gendered Perspectives on Architectural Practice

If we are to promote equality within the architectural profession and dismantle the gendered structures underpinning it, we will need everyone’s engagement to make it happen, says Hanna Tyvelä.

Case Study — 1.2.2019

Vibrant Colours, Invigorating Light

Arto Sipinen designed a library building on the campus of the University of Jyväskylä in the early 1970s. Päivi Lukkarinen examines the phases and architecture of the soon-to-be-renovated library.

Phenomena — 1.1.2019

Private Public Private

In mid-century USA, Victor Gruen developed the shopping mall, a typology that still raises questions on how contemporary cities should be designed. Antti Auvinen and Kristian Äijö explore the phenomenon.

Phenomena — 1.1.2019

Excursions Into Suburban Density

Density is a buzzword in current public discussions on urbanity, but what does the concept actually mean? ask professors of the USP Master's Programme.

Phenomena — 1.1.2019

Megaprojects — A Recipe for Mega Success?

If Finland’s second largest city region is serious about growing its economy, Tampere will need to balance its focus between the needs of the urban economy and the high-profile construction projects for which it has become known, Jenni Partanen suggests.

Phenomena — 1.1.2019

What’s happening to our cities?

Digital technology is transforming urban spaces and the way those spaces are used. Design management professionals would do well to engage with the changes taking place, Sari Viertiö says.

Phenomena — 1.1.2019

Ode to Everything

The decade-long engagement and consultation process that preceded the launch of Helsinki’s new central library Oodi meant that building came heavily laden with expectations.