What Does the Finlandia Prize Shortlist Reveal About the Current State of Finnish Architecture?
Four new-builds and one refurbishment project are in the running for this year’s Finlandia Prize for Architecture. When it comes to architectural expression, two distinct styles are readily visible.
Skilfully Efficient
The efficient use of space in the new Lamminrahka School Centre does not take away from the utility and natural light in the spaces.
A Decade of No Colour
Colour is an inseparable characteristic of architecture that has its distinct, long and diverse traditions independent of the developments in fine arts.
The Architect’s Degree – in Black and White?
In the three schools of architecture in Finland, the curriculums have recently included only a few courses dealing with colour. “It is time to learn to think about the colour of our environment already at the sketching phase”, write three recently graduated architects.
In Helsinki, There Are Several Neighbourhoods Where You Can Hardly See White – “The Role of the Colours Is to Welcome the Visitor”
Architect Suvi Tyynilä wanted Helsinki's Kuninkaantammi and Honkasuo districts to be warm, homely and communal places. Colours played an important role in achieving it.
Lighting Is Viewed from a Far Too Technical Perspective, Says Lighting Designer Roope Siiroinen – “Better Suited for Use Would Be Terminology Related to Photography”
Lighting can be used to fine-tune the building to look better, says lighting designer Roope Siiroinen.
Colour Design is Like Fire Control, Says Professor Pentti Kareoja – “Helsinki’s Jätkäsaari District, for Example, Would Have Benefited From Stricter Guidelines”
Professor Pentti Kareoja believes that comprehensive guidelines are needed for the colour planning of urban environments.
Colour and Materials Designer Anni Rantasalo: What Is More Important Than Colour Is How the Paint Is Produced And What Ingredients It Contains
For colour and materials designer Anni Rantasalo, colour comes from materials. “Colours actually play a surprisingly small role in my day-to-day work”, master painter and colour and materials designer Anni Rantasalo says.
Short Syllabus in Colour Research
The research-based colour design is weakly known in Finland. Colour researcher Saara Pyykkö shares her insights on what an architect should know about colour.