Architectural Prize for small company in Finland

Northern rise

Text: Vladimir Yuzbashev

In mid-February a ceremony of the national Fennia Prize presentation took place in Helsinki — not a very significant but rather instructive event for Russia.

Finland has traditionally been a country worthy of emulation in the eyes of many Russians. For many decades domestic designers have been justifying their ugly solutions by the severity of Russian climate. Yet in Finland weather conditions are as stern but architecture is much more elegant. Now Russian private houses also have flat roofs in spite of snowy winter but we still have much to learn: our seemingly slow-moving northern neighbours outstripped us again.

Fennia Prize was instituted by Design Forum Finland (a Finnish prototype of our Union of Architects) and sponsored by leading national insurance company Fennia. This is an open event held once in two years. The participants — mainly Scandinavian firms — present their achievements to the jury?s unbiased judgement: architectural projects, manufactured goods and design items.

Interestingly enough, an implemented business project, where a certain design solution plays a key role, may also be submitted. The first premium is not so great (€ 20,000); two other winners get € 7,500 each. In addition to three winners, the jury also celebrates twenty other architects or more. Every contest is crowned by an exhibition, which then tours European capitals.