SAFA Prize awarded to the Governing Body of Suomenlinna
Super Otus
The Finnish Association of Architects awarded its annual prize to the Governing Body of Suomenlinna for the comprehensive development and preservation of the World Heritage Site. Both the the Governing Body of Suomenlinna and the prize are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. The award was presented at the Apoli Day at Lahti City Hall on 25 September.
The Governing Body of Suomenlinna is a government agency that restores, maintains, administers and provides information about Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress island is not only one of the most popular tourist destinations in Finland but also a neighbourhood of Helsinki with 800 permanent residents.
"The Governing Body has succeeded in developing Suomenlinna as a vibrant district, favouring affordable rental housing, while meeting the demands of a bustling tourist industry," says Jury Chair, architect Elizaveta Parkkonen.
As a World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna must meet the requirements of authenticity and integrity. The fortress area consists of an architectural and functional complex of defensive and operational buildings from different periods and the landscape, the preservation of which must be carefully maintained. The management team has been exemplary in this task.
"The long-term work of the restoration unit emphasises quality – both in the Governing Body's own work and in the selection of architectural and engineering consultants, working methods and choice of materials. The most recent example of this work is the technical renovation of the 41-apartment Vaasa Barracks, completed last year in collaboration with Talli Architects," says Parkkonen.
"It has also been active in education and raising awareness about the management and use of cultural environment, both in Finland and abroad."
Climate change is also reflected in the structures and landscape of Suomenlinna
In 1973, the areas of the National Board of Antiquities and the Ministry of Defence were transferred to the newly established Governing Body. In 1974, the organisation started extensive restoration work and has continued to work systematically in accordance with the Council of State's objectives for the protection and use of Suomenlinna.
"We are currently working on the restoration of the Walhalla restaurant complex, which was completed for the 1952 Olympics. Work is also underway on a new building to replace one destroyed in the Second World War. It was built by the Suomenlinna Open Prison," says Miia Perkkiö, Head of Restoration at the Governing Body.
"The current challenge is climate change, which is reflected in the structures and landscape of the fortress. The Governing Body is therefore the main contractor in developing a method for monitoring climate change in cultural heritage sites together with the National Board of Antiquities, the Alvar Aalto Foundation and the University of Oulu," says Perkkiö.
The SAFA Prize is presented annually in recognition of a municipality or other public or private organisation or company that has acted in an exemplary manner to promote good design practices and results. The award was established in 1974.
The winner is selected by a jury consisting of representatives of the Finnish Association of Architects, the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities and the Ministry of the Environment. This year's jury included architect Elizaveta Parkkonen, Professor Janne Pihlajaniemi, architect Henri Raitio, Government Councillor Kirsi Martinkauppi and Development Manager Mikko Simpanen.
Read more about the Governing Body of Suomenlinna here.
