The Finnish pavilion at Shanghai World Expo 2010 is called “Kirnu” (“Giant’s Kettle”). Designed by a team from Helsinki-based architect’s office JKMM, Kirnu won first prize among 104 entries in the design competition, which was announced in May 2008.
The results were made public in October 2008 in Helsinki. The planning started immediately, and construction began in April 2009, with the pavilion due to be completed in December 2009. The head designer of the pavilion is architect Teemu Kurkela. Below is a description of the Kirnu concept as seen by the architect.
More images, video and architect’s description after the break. read more »
Architects: NOW for Architecture and Urbanism / Tuomas Toivonen
Location: Saimaa lake, Finland
Client: Private
Project area: 140 sqm
Project year: 2009
Sketches: Nene Tsuboi
Photographs: Maija Luutonen
Architects: Anttinen Oiva Architects
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Project Manager: Vesa Oiva
Collaborators: Jussi Kalliopuska, Selina Anttinen, Antti Lehto
Building services consultant: Aila Puusaari, DI, Pˆyry Building Services Oy
Construction-engineering consultant: Sami Lampinen, DI, WSP Finland Oy
Library consultants: Irma Pasanen, office chief, Library of Helsinki University of Technology / Risto Maijala, library amanuense, Library of Helsinki University of Technology
Client: University of Helsinki
Project Area: 32,000 sqm
Design year: 2008-2010
Construction year: 2010-2012
Images: Courtesy Anttinen Oiva Architects
City as Living Factory of Ecology, winning entry by ARUP, Sauerbruch Hutton, Experientia and Galley Eco Capital.
In my opinion, the best sustainable projects have been in small scales. Urban scale projects have been more difficult to get going, due to the their inherent complexity.
But I am confident that recent initiatives are about to make the step forward, specially the ones that are being produced on countries that have the have their governments focused on this.
On of this examples is the recently awarded Low2No design competition, organized by Sitra (Finnish Innovation Fund) and the City of Helsinki, to find a on design a large building complex on a reclaimed harbour at the western edge of Helsinki’s central business district.
Given that the repertoire of sustainable urban development models is still in its infancy, the question of “who & how” is our question of first order. WHO: We believe that identifying the best team and approach is the key factor impacting the robustness of the final solution. HOW: Our competition is designed to seek approaches for four central objectives applied at the scale of a city block:
low- and one day no- carbon emissions
energy efficiency
high architectural, spatial and social value
sustainable materials and methods
The finalists included top practices and consultants such as ARUP, Sauerbrunch Hutton, Space Syntax, Transsolar, ARO, REX, Front, BIG, among others. The award went to C_Life by ARUP, Sauerbruch Hutton, Experientia and Galley Eco Capital.
Videos and boards for the winning and finalists entries after the break.
Architect: Pieta-Linda Auttila
Location: Valkosaari island in Southern Harbour of Helsinki, Finland
Building owner: UPM Kymmene
Construction: 30 to 40 m² / 150 m³
Structure: Wood
Coating: Native woods, Glass
Concept and Communication: Trust Creative Society
Project Year: 2009
Photographs: UPM
“By bending the block I forced the slats into a new form that contrasts with the original arrangement. That which is solid turns partly transparent, that which is strictly geometrical, organic,”
Inside the urban hubs of the Western world, a feeling of safety prevails. We continue to enjoy the highest standard of living ever known to humankind. At the same time, we are fully aware of the results of our culture of consumerism. Therein lies the greatest paradox: We are forced to actively forget reality to be able to enjoy the facade of excess we have created around us.
Yet outside the main stages of the metropolis is where our work is needed. There are a few architects who challenge the conventions of the profession and the ever-dictating forces of the market; they go where the real problems are and try to solve them with insight, economy and wit. These people are the pathfinders towards the next revolution in architecture, which will not focus on style, but on the balance between man and nature -or, in short, survival.
Visiondivison shared their entry for the Koivusaari Idea Competition to create a new city district on an island just outside Helsinki, Finland. The competition asked participants to organize a master plan for the island that would provide the framework for further planning. Visiondivison’s proposal, Urban Fade, is comprised of a highly efficient city grid that allows users the option of moving around the district to interact with the different areas.
More about the proposal after the break. read more »
Architects: SARC Architects
Location: Joensuu, Finland
Building Owner: Senaatti-kiinteistöt
User: The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Forest Research Institute
Building consultant: ISS Proko Oy (Engel Rakennuttamispalvelut Oy)
Constructed Area: 7,650 sqm
Project Year: 2004
Photographs: SARC Architects
Architects: JKMM Architects
Location: Turku, Finland
Main Designer: Asmo Jaaksi architect SAFA
Design Team: Teemu Kurkela, Samuli Miettinen, Juha Mäki-Jyllilä, Mikko Rossi, Katja Savolainen architects SAFA, Päivi Meuronen interior architect SIO
Landscaping: Molino Oy
Structural Design: Narmaplan Oy
Lighting: Eficientysul
Main Contractor: NCC Rakennus Oy
Constructed Area: 6,900 sqm
Project Year: 2007
Photographs: Arno de la Chapelle, Asmo Jaaksi, Harri Falck, Jonny Holmen, Jussi Tiainen, Michael Perlmutter, Patrik Rastenberg
Architect: Brasil Arquitetura
Architects: Francisco Fanucci, Marcelo Ferraz, Cícero Ferraz Cruz, Anne Dieterich, Bruno Levi, Gabriel Grinspum, Luciana Dornellas, Pedro Del Guerra
Location: Hanko, Finland
Design Year: 2005
Construction Year: 2007
Finnish Architecture Team: Ville Niiranen and Mikko Kääriäinen
Digital Model: Carlos Arellano
Constructed Area: 330 sqm
The Finnish pavilion at Shanghai World Expo 2010 is called “Kirnu” (“Giant’s Kettle”). Designed by a team from Helsinki-based architect’s office JKMM, Kirnu won first prize among 104 entries in the design competition, which was announced in May 2008.
