The professor of building design points out that there is a reason why social media shout-outs do not drive construction. What matters beyond the exterior is how the building works in practice.
Which new building in 2022 will be the most beautiful and which the ugliest in Finland?
This was the question asked by a Facebook group called Architecture Rebellion in a playful poll.
The first phase of Järvenpää’s Bulevardikorttel was the least appealing to the group’s eye. The results of the vote have previously been reported by sources including Keski-Uusimaa.
– It’s like judging a book based on its covers alone. In such an assessment, a complex matter is simplified, he says.
In Sanaksenaho’s opinion, the processes, values, parties and social context behind construction are easily overlooked. He states that construction is guided by, among other things, zoning and the budget.
– You often hear that why not build something like before. The development of construction technology always shapes architecture. It’s hard for me to understand why a building would want to be disguised to look like a building from another era. Each time appears in its own way.
Classicism is emerging as an appearance trend
Järvenpää is by no means the only slandered \”box\” in Finland. In recent years, the Helsinki region has been talking about, for example, the massive, rectangular Tripla that went up in Pasila.
It includes shops, apartments, offices, a hotel and a train station. Combining these under the same entity required a lot of research work and consultation with experts, according to Tripla’s design director.
– Why does the architecture of our time have to be so dull and ugly? I don’t accept it. Architecture must be beautiful, it must create a comfortable and wonderful built environment for us humans, Uotila, who has a research background, commented to Yle in August 2022.
In the opinion of Pirjo Sanaksenaho, professor of building design, how the building works in practice is important, along with the outer shell. Every building has its own technical, spatial and financial requirements.
– Buildings are spaces for life and activity, and their success cannot be judged based on their appearance alone. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, but when building, you can’t vote on what the majority likes, because there are complex processes in the background.
On the other hand, Sanaksenaho considers it important that the design also considers the human scale and that the building has something that can be shaped on a human scale.
In terms of appearance, according to him, the classic design language is now rearing its head again as a trend in construction.
– A lot of new buildings are planned, which are realized with, for example, symmetrical and vertical window openings. An example of this is the Kallion Kaarle house. However, it does not in itself have copied the details of the old building parts, but it shows that it is a new building.
Kallion Kaarle was voted the second most beautiful building in the architectural revolt vote.
Sanaksenaho understands that the appearance of buildings evokes emotions in people, because they are in a common space for everyone.
– That is why it is important who is given the power to decide on the city image. For now, it is the case that it is part of our democratic decision-making anyway.
*You can discuss the topic until Thursday, March 23 at 11 p.m.*