The Finnish Architectural Review 1/2017: Modernism, time, patina

The latest issue of Arkkitehti – the Finnish Architectural Review discusses the principles and practices of the renovation of modernism.The vast majority of Finland's building stock is modernist architecture built since the country became independent in 1917. These buildings will in the coming years increasingly be restored, repaired, altered, expanded and even demolished. Arkkitehti begins the centenary anniversary of Finland's independence by discussing the different aspects of the enormous renovation task at hand.The featured examples include restorations of the University of Technology's Main Library by Alvar Aalto and Töölö Library by Aarne Ervi, both completed in 1970. In both cases, the buildings' original architectural values have been coordinated with the demands of new practices brought about by digitalisation. Also presented is the conception stage of Paimio Sanatorium by Aalto (1932), one of the internationally most prestigious modernist works of architecture. Docent Kimmo Sarje examines the production of architect Uno Ullberg, who was involved in creating the modern Vyborg. The coordination of the new and the old in recent art museum extensions is reviewed in the opening article by Professor Anna-Maija Ylimaula.The origins of the Finnish building heritage date back much further than Finland’s independence. The issue of Arkkitehti features the restoration of Hamina St. Mary's Church. The stone church, built during the time of Swedish rule in the 15th century, was renovated and remodelled during the Russian rule in the 1820s and has been repaired several times since independence. As society changes, also the traditional church institution searches for practices suited to the new circumstances. The issue presents the Suvela Chapel, completed last autumn by OOPEAA – Office for Peripheral Architecture, which, with its youth centre and daycare centre, serves the nowadays multicultural suburb, while simultaneously acting as a new landmark in the area.For further information about Arkkitehti – the Finnish Architectural Review, please visit www.ark.fi.