5/2020 Monument
According to one definition, monuments are are constructions of megalithic size. At the same time, they are often explicitly created to commemorate something – historical events and persons, values and meanings.
The issue takes a look at different definitions of a monument. Tripla in Pasila, Helsinki (Soini & Horto, Sweco, OMA), is one of the largest construction projects ever launched in Finland – in the issue, five of the key designers discuss the experiences and observations brought along by the work. Antti Auvinen examines the “bigness” of Helsinki cityscape, including Tripla.
In a building’s life cycle, refurbishments, extensions and changing uses are often turning points for discussing the meanings associated with it. From recently completed projects, the issue features the award-winning Helsinki Olympic Stadium refurbishment and extension (K2S, NRT), Kesko Headquarters conversion to apartments and hotel in Katajanokka, Helsinki (L Arkkitehdit) and Courtyard Tampere City Hotel (ALA), built adjacent to the Tampere Hall.
The meanings sometimes give way to something new. Anselmi Moisander questions the arguments behind the demolition decision of a metabolist concrete building by Kosti Kuronen, located at Itsenäisyydenkatu 7–9, Tampere. Conscious re-evaluations can also show the history in new light: In the 1980s Tel Aviv, no one saw the value of the 1930s building stock, yet it is now defined as Bauhaus, and a totality of around 4,000 buildings is designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Content
Pääkirjoitus | All That Is Solid Melts into Air?
Mika Savela
The New Life of Gardenia
Elina Koivisto
The Monumental Alliance of Finnish Government and Civilization
Ilkka Törmä
Under Fifty and Soon Gone
Anselmi Moisander
New Colossi
Antti Auvinen
Bauhaus Legacy Born on the Dunes
Marja Väisänen
Question | What Defines a Monument?
PROJECTS
→ Helsinki Olympic Stadium Refurbishment and Extension
K2S Architects
ArchitectsNRT
Review | In the Flow
Esa Laaksonen
→ Tripla
Architects Soini & Horto
Sweco Architects
OMA
Interview | The Many Makers of a Monument
→ Courtyard Tampere City Hotel
ALA Architects
Interview | Filling in the Blank
→ Kesko Headquarters Conversion into Apartments and Hotel
L Architects
Interview | Headquarters No More
Column | Time Makes a Monument
Iida Kalakoski
REVIEWS
Book | Jonathan Hill: The Architecture of Ruins. Designs on the Past, Present and Future (Mikael Andersson)
Book | Esa Laaksonen: Else Aropaltio. Arjen arkkitehti, Petri Laaksonen: Alvar Aallon jalanjäljillä (Anni Vartola)
Book | Urs Kienberger, Rolf Kienberger, Andrin C. Willi: 111 Years Waldhaus Sils. The Curious Tale and Incomplete History of an Alpine Grand Hotel and its People (Tarja Nurmi)