(and we don’t mean the band*)
Edgy, profound, functional. With just the right dose of whimsy, Finnish architecture, like other Finnish creations (think Nokia and Iittala), mirrors the country’s people. See why we think these Helsinki buildings provide an arresting backdrop to one of the world’s most creative and alluring cities. — Becca Hensley
STOP AND LOOK
TEMPPELIAUKION KIRKKO, THE ROCK CHURCH
Architects: Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen
Genre: Modern
Year completed: 1969
Why we love it: This sacred space, blasted from a rocky outcrop and in the same part of town as Olympic Stadium, is underground. Rocky walls make for splendid acoustics, and the above-ground copper roof evokes an ancient tomb.
RAUTATIEASEMA, THE RAILWAY STATION
Architect: Eliel Saarinen
Genre: Art nouveau
Year completed: 1919
Why we love it: Covered with pink granite and bedecked with a clock tower and statues that hold lamps and guard the main entrance, it’s a fine example of the Finns’ rebellious take on art nouveau (an outlook heavily influenced by the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic).
EDUSKUNTATALO, PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Architect: Johan Sigfrid Sirén
Genre: 1920s classicism
Year completed: 1931
Why we love it: The imposing building boasts 14 Corinthian columns and is composed of all-Finnish materials. Philosophically, it represents the fusion of art, architecture, craftsmanship, and industrial design.
KULTTUURITALO, HOUSE OF CULTURE
Architect: Alvar Aalto
Genre: Modern
Year completed: 1958
Why we love it: Functional but interpretive, this curving building alludes to the shapes of sound and music. Its asymmetrical, free-flowing hall influenced the invention of the wedge-shaped brick.
KANSALLISKIRJASTO, NATIONAL LIBRARY OF FINLAND
Architects: Carl Ludvig Engel and Gustaf Nyström
Genre: Neoclassical
Year completed: 1845
Why we love it: This grand structure’s lavish plan mimics the Baths of Diocletian in Rome. The classical, temple-like facade is complemented by interior vaulted halls and rooms.
KIASMA, MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Architect: Steven Holl
Genre: Contemporary
Year completed: 1998
Why we love it: A symphony of contradictions (soft curves meet angles, and heavy materials meld with light ones), it’s an asymmetrical masterpiece that’s the perfect home for modern art.
FINLANDIA-TALO, FINLANDIA HALL
Architect: Alvar Aalto
Genre: Modern
Year completed: 1972
Why we love it: Rising from the edge of Töölö Bay, this concert hall manifests the attention to detail that defined Aalto, Finland’s best-known architect, who even designed the light fixtures and furniture found within.
*architecture in Helsinki (the band) > And the inspiration behind our headline. (The fact that AIH can be found on the iPods of several AW staffers has nothing to do with this shameless plug. Really.) Based in Australia, AIH is best described as, well, nothing you’ve ever really heard (try happy electronica pop on acid), with an eclectic mix of instruments including, but not limited to, a clarinet, a glockenspiel, a tuba, and a trombone. (We probably should have mentioned they’re a little … out there.) To date, AIH has released three albums (Fingers Crossed, In Case We Die, and Places Like This) and toured with Belle & Sebastian, Yo La Tango, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (all worth checking out). Note: The band has yet to perform in Helsinki. — Anna Fialho