Helsinki

Let’s discover vibrant Helsinki together with Viaggi di Architettura; a five day experience in a city where you can witness from Neo-Classical to Art Nouveau (“Jugend”) that morphed into Nordic Classicism to Functionalism and Modernism.

Upon arrival to Helsinki, we will have a quick chat with colleagues at the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA) and get their insight on public and private buildings as well as their approach to handling environmental challenges.

Highlights in Helsinki

• Temppeliaukio Rock Church, church Built directly into solid rock, designed architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and opened in 1969
• Senate Square, Neo Classical architecture designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and is a unique allegory for Helsinki’s history
• Esplanade Park, situated in the centre of the city is a promenade for travellers and a relax zone for locals
• Alvar Aalto’s House completed in 1936, in Romantic Functionalist style
• Stockmann Department Store by Sigurd Frosterus in 1916
• Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma by Steven Holl with a pit stop at Kiasma Cafè

With 10 min boat trip from Helsinki we reach Europe’s Espoo, largest technology and business center; the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Finland. Here we visit Otaniemi and Keilaniemi that host Aalto University renowned for scientific research and headquarters of many technological companies such as Fortum, Rovio, Microsoft (ex-Nokia by architect Pekka Helin) and Kone towers by Antti-Matti Siikala. Once embarked in Espoo, it is worthwhile to see also residential areas such as Ruoholahti, Jätkäsaari and Munkkisaari (from the 90’s) along with many ateliers of contemporary designers.

Jyväskylä, about 280 km from Helsinki, situated in the lake district of central Finland is best known for the architecture of Alvar Aalto. There are numerous (45) projects of the famous architect: The Muuratsalo Experimental House, the tower of Muurame Church, Säynätsalo Town Hall.

Tampere, two hours from Helsinki, hosts important works of architect Reima Pietilä amongst which Kaleva Church, Metso Library and Hervanta Leisure Center. Amongst other great work is the Tampere Cathedral built by Lars Sonck in National Romantic style.

 For information, reservations or special requests on routes dedicated to the city of Helsinki by Viaggi di Architettura.