On Architecture

We seek architectural vision originating from the particular features found in every design task and its environment. Our goal is to create places that are meaningful enough to reach the emotional level, which we believe to be the mission of architecture.

 

A building communicates messages to people in many different ways. A message is conveyed as an
architectural experience; as a subconscious feeling or atmosphere. It can be either neutral or positive,
comforting or stimulating.
A building should never be hostile or frightening, but the fundamental message of architecture should be
warm and caring.

 

In many of our designs, we have studied ordinary, anonymous and self-evident solutions. Contrary to
questioning and the aspiration for new things, our goal is to find an identifiable essence of a building. A
construction project usually starts with a site, allocated to the project by the client. In addition to a
concrete location and a physical environment, the site also has abstract qualities. A key feature for us in
our design work is the understanding of a spatial, temporal and cultural context. A building must be a
sustainable part of its surroundings.

 

Construction activities always include a huge work input and, therefore, the designer must respect the
work of the building contractor, and vice versa. The design must take into account the available resources.
A structure and a building method are an organic part of the architecture.

The way materials are used can range from evident to unexpected, but it is the feeling that they create
that is the most important: they must be warm, physical, present and one must be able to touch them. The
dignified ageing of the materials is also of a great importance – the character of a successful building is
developed over the course of years. In addition to its functions, a building also communicates with its
surroundings by means of its appearance and shape. Consequently, a building must have a recognisable
identity and its shape must be in harmony with its structure and activities.

 

A building is always designed for a specific use and need, yet still, the building must allow the making of
changes to the activities. Also, we must not forget the original purpose of a building as a provider of
shelter and protection.

Awards

1. prize

Hopealaakso day-care centre
Helsinki 2019

 

1.prize

Verkkosaari day-care centre
Helsinki 2019

 

1. prize

Finnish-Russian School
Helsinki 2018

 

1. prize

Sipoonlahti Campus

In collaboration with Architects  Rudanko + Kankkunen Ltd

Sipoo 2016

 

1. prize

Omenamäki Wooden Village
Helsinki 2005

 

1. prize

Korso Church and Parish Center
Vantaa 1998

 

1. prize

Alberga Esplanade
Espoo 1997

 

1. prize

Woodstudio sauna
1995

 

3. prize

Myllypuro Wooden Village
Helsinki 2004

 

3. prize

Nemo Propheta in Patria
A Shelter for Alvar Aalto ́s Boat 1996

 

Purchase

Munkkiniemi Housing
Helsinki 2012

 

Purchase

Lappeenranta University Campus
2003

Purchase

”Housing Best Before…” – future housing
Graz, Austria 2000

 

Purchase

Steel House
2000

 

Honorary mention

Helsinki University Central Library
Helsinki 2008

 

Honorary mention

Leinelä 2 Housing Area

In collaboration with A-Konsultit Architects Ltd
Vantaa 2008

 

Honorary mention

Jätkäsaari Housing Blocks
Helsinki 2006

 

Honorary mention

Joensuu Penttilä area
Joensuu 2003

 

Honorary mention

New Cemetery Chapel of the Church of St. Lawrence
Vantaa 2003

 

Honorary mention

Farm 2000
1998