Editorial

Editorial: Finland Is Demolishing, but for How Long?

Approximately 4,000 buildings are demolished in Finland every year. Would it be possible to imagine a future in which buildings would only be demolished if absolutely necessary?

Book

Ilmakirja Gives a Voice to the Supporters of Natural Ventilation

The book Ilmakirja is the most comprehensive presentation on natural ventilation in Finnish context by so far – yet ends up being more of a manifesto than a pure reference book.

Article

Architects as Mediators of Change

Over the recent decades, the temporary use of vacant spaces has been recognised as a sustainable and inclusive approach for managing urban change. For architects, working with temporary uses can be an opportunity to challenge structures that restrict typical architectural work.

Article

How Do You Convert an Office Space into Apartments?

In the Helsinki capital region alone, there are currently around 50 city blocks’ worth of empty office space. On the other hand, there seems to be a constant demand for housing. Under what preconditions are office spaces converted into apartments?

Article

Would Nostalgia Provide Help for the Eco-crisis?

Emotionally charged nostalgia could be a resource for building conservation if used correctly, argue Iida Kalakoski and Riina Sirén.

Article

Two Municipal Halls, Two Fates

Many significant buildings end up on lists for demolition if renovation seems too expensive or a suitable use cannot be found. The everyday built heritage is threatened without a timely protection status.

Article

Construction Waste and the Fiction of Purity

Modern architecture has made a clear distinction between waste and new construction. A more comprehensive understanding of the concept of waste could help us in understanding the issues of demolition and preservation.

Column

Building Conservation Is About More Than Putting Up a Front 

Building protection is currently focussing too much on the facades, writes Erkki Mäkiö.

Project Review

Techno and Coarseness

At long last, dance has finally received its own performance spaces in Helsinki, in the Cable Factory. The Dance House Helsinki is the first extension to the former factory building.