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2012 Finnish State Prize for Architecture

ALA Architects wins the Finnish State Prize for Architecture

HELSINKI (FI) - Each year, the National Council for Architecture in Finland gives a prize for architects. This year, the rather young team of ALA Architects received the highly esteemed Finnish State Prize for Architecture. The event took place in the South Esplanade in a building called Smolna, where the state organizes festive receptions. The host was Paavo Arhinmäki, Minister of Culture and Sport. He is shown here toasting the partners, from left: Antti Nousjoki, Janne Teräsvirta, Juho Grönholm and Samuli Woolston.

ALA is known for its fresh approach towards architecture, as they have also been bringing some fresh air into Finnish architecture culture in general. Their impressive international breakthrough was the new Kilden Theatre and Concert Hall in Kristiansand, Norway, but this building is not the only reason the prize was awarded. Winning the competition in 2004, however, gave the ALA office its start, and proved that an open architecture competition system – also of the kind common in Finland – really opens possibilities for younger architects. A10 has previously introduced a number of ALA projects; Kilden was even featured on the cover of A10 #44.

The minister's speech touched on, for instance, the subject of architecture education for children, the importance of the built environment and the value of good architecture and city planning in general – especially the value of a better overall knowledge and respect for a solid architectural culture.

ALA is currently working on two theatre buildings and two new underground stations in Finland, and housing projects are also in the pipeline.

Tuesday | 29 May | 2012 | Finland | Tarja Nurmi