What is valued in architecture today? This question is answered by the biennial review of Finnish architecture, an exhibition which opens in the Gallery at the Alvar Aalto Museum in January 2015.Wide-ranging in content, the exhibition showcases noteworthy recent achievements in Finnish architecture, spurring discussion on a range of current topics related to contemporary architectural design.

Arctia Shipping Headquarters, Helsinki. K2S Architects.
Photo: Mika Huisman

The exhibition showcases a principal selection of ten projects and ten honourable mentions, all completed between July 2011 and June 2013. The jury was chaired by landscape architect Jenny B. Osuldsen representing Norway’s acclaimed Snøhetta practice. Her fellow jury members were architects Marko Kivistö and Sari Schulman. Expert advisory input was provided by Helena Soimakallio, Managing Director and CEO of the Finnish Association of Civil Engineers.

Grouping the projects under three headings – Culturing, Learning and Home & Work – the jury narrowed down their selection from 99 nominations. This year’s selection includes a large number of public buildings and cultural venues, three of which are abroad.  Schemes which have aroused a great deal of interest include the new Seinäjoki Library (JKMM Architects) and the Polish Jewish Museum in Warsaw (Lahdelma & Mahlamäki). Major repair projects to important buildings are also represented, with the renovations to the House of Culture, designed by Alvar Aalto, being one of the principal exhibits.

The sixth biennal review of Finnish architecture is intended for both Finnish and international audiences. The exhibition has previously been on show at the Museum of Finnish Architecture in Helsinki and, after the Alvar Aalto Museum, it will continue its tour overseas. The review is co-organized by the Museum of Finnish Architecture, the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Finnish Association of Architects SAFA in collaboration with the Architecture Information Centre Finland. The exhibition was made possible by funding from the KONE Foundation and the Arts Promotion Centre Finland.

A publication associated with the exhibition entitled FINNISH ARCHITECTURE. BIENNIAL REVIEW 2014, contains in-depth articles on the same theme. All the selected projects can also be viewed at www.biennialreview.finnisharchitecture.fi

More information:
Mari Murtoniemi, tel. +358 40 355 9162, mari.murtoniemi (at) alvaraalto.fi

Press images:
Mirkka Vidgren, tel. +358 400 254 708, mirkka.vidgren (at) alvaraalto.fi

Finnish Architecture. Biennial review 2014
In the Gallery at the Alvar Aalto Museum
23.1.-15.3.2015
www.alvaraalto.fi