Designer's Viewpoint

Off the Grid

Prefabricated, self-sufficient housing unit Majamaja adapts to different landscapes and climatic conditions.

Designer's Viewpoint

Gently Sitting in Its Place

The new extension wing by alt Architects brings together the staff of the upper secondary school and vocational school in Kajaani.

Designer's Viewpoint

On the Drawing Board: Repairing is a Source for Sustainability

Repairing old buildings is a way to find solutions that can also be applied to the design of sustainable new buildings, say Emilia and Pekka Saatsi.

People

Interview with Bijoy Jain

In February 2021, the fourteenth Alvar Aalto Medal was awarded to Bijoy Jain, the director of the Indian architectural office Studio Mumbai. In their work, the office seamlessly combines architecture and craftsmanship and attention to local conditions.

Designer's Viewpoint

Intertwined with Modernism

Aarne Ervi’s modernist villa in Espoo, Finland has been sensitively refurbished by OOPEAA. Three new wooden buildings were also added as part of the project.

Conversation

Who Has a Right to the City?

Recently, there has been an active discussion about whether Helsinki is planned on the terms of investors or city residents. ARK discussed the sore spots of city planning with the editors of the pamphlet Kenen kaupunki?

Visions

Designing the Future in Pandemic Times

We asked eight Finnish architecture firms what they have been working on in 2020.

Designer's Viewpoint

On the Drawing Board: Freedom versus Safety

The restrictions and demand for social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic provide a deeper perspective for a designer as regards the special needs of nursing home residents, say Kirsti Sivén and Asko Takala.

Designer's Viewpoint

Safely Tucked from the Urban Realm

The Lauttasaari Daycare Centre by Luutonen Architects lines the street like a wall. On the other side opens up a small rocky forest, the children’s secret garden.