Finalists Named for Second Finlandia Prize

Last year's inaugural prize was given to the Museum of the History of the Polish Jews, designed by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects. The second Finlandia Prize for Architecture, which considers buildings completed within the previous three years, will be one of the following buildings, announced in a ceremony on 23 September 2015. Short descriptions are courtesy of SAFA; more information on each project can be found on the Finlandia Prize website.

Heikkinen-Komonen Architects
Kangasala House
Kangasala, Finland
2015

Kangasala Arts Centre, the latest cultural center to be built in Finland, was inaugurated in January 2015. The main space in the building is the multipurpose auditorium for music, theatre, film and other performances. The other units in the center house, for example, a space for changing exhibitions.

NRT Architects
Merenkulkijanranta
Lauttasaari, Helsinki, Finland
2015

Merenkulkijanranta is a residential block in the district of Lauttasaari in Helsinki. It was completed in several stages based on an overarching design – the final building was completed in 2015. The apartment buildings fan out like fingers of a hand towards and over the sea.

JKMM Architects
OP Headquarters
Vallila, Helsinki, Finland
2015

OP Financial Group has concentrated many of its operations under one roof within a block along Teollisuuskatu street. The result is a clear-cut, light-filled and inspiring place to work.

Arkkitehtitoimisto Esa Ruskeepää Oy
Opinmäki School Complex
Suurpelto, Espoo
2015

Opinmäki school complex forms a central element for an Espoo residential area currently under rapid construction and expansion. Besides kindergarten, primary and junior secondary schools, the center will house a library, sports hall, adult education center and a youth center. The building will be in active use outside school hours and serve all residents in the area.

OOPEAA Office for Peripheral Architecture
Puukuokka
Kuokkala, Jyväskylä, Finland
2014

Puukuokka block of flats was completed in 2014 in the suburb of Kuokkala in Jyväskylä. Situated behind the church, three timber-framed blocks of flats have been designed, the first to be completed is Puukuokka. The frame of the block is built from solid wood and wooden CLT panels.