The City of Vantaa awarded the designers of Tikkurilankoski Park
Pyry Kantonen
The City of Vantaa awards the Kehäkukka Award in recognition of a building project, event, person or community that has developed or promoted local architecture. In addition to this year's award, honorary mentions were given to Tikkurila Church and the renovation of Myyrmäki Church.
After a few years' break, the City of Vantaa held an open call for proposals of building projects completed between 2020 and 2024 and events or actions from those years that would reflect the award's objectives.
Since there was an abundance of proposals worthy of an award, the jury chose to award, in addition to the Kehäkukka Award, two honorary mentions. The jury comprised Tero Anttila, Deputy Manager of the City of Vantaa's urban environment, Sampo Perttula, Director of Urban Planning, Johanna Ojanlatva, Cityscape Architect, and architects Jenni Hölttä and Sauli Kosonen. The awards were announced at Heureka Science Centre on 8 November.
Tikkurilankoski park area is steeped in history
Loci Landscape Architects were awarded with the Kehäkukka Award for the high-quality and sustainable landscape architecture of the Tikkurilankoski park area. Completed in 2021, the entity includes Vernissaranta, Väritehtaanranta and Vernissasilta areas.
The riverside parks include a variety of seating areas and walkways, trees and other vegetation. The riverbank was once an industrial area. The dam on the site was demolished in 2019, allowing trout to make their way up the river. The history of the area is reflected in the chosen materials such as brick. The stones from the demolished dam have also been reused, for example as seating.
"The area is a great example of the reconciliation of natural and cultural values. A formerly remote area has been transformed into an attractive park open to all, with access to the water," the jury praised.
Tikkurila Church is easy to stop by
The first honourable mention was awarded to Vantaa Parish Council and OOPEAA – Office for Peripheral Architecture for the Tikkurila Church building project.
Completed in 2021, the church is located in the district centre, along a pedestrian street, and has become an easy place to pop into. The church is an open and inviting space, like a communal building in a village. It allows different user groups to meet and serves their various needs. On the street side, there is a café open to all and a family lounge and play area. In addition to the church hall, the building also has spaces for gatherings and work.
The jury praised the construction materials to be beautiful and durable, such as the different-coloured bricks on the facades. The interiors are characterised by rough concrete and warm wood. The church is part of a closed block, and forms a sculptural, landmark-like corner with a sloping roof.
Read more about OOPEAA in our Spotlight series.
The renovation of Myyrmäki Church preserved its original architectural values
The second honourable mention wass awarded to Vantaa Parish Association and Arco Architecture Company for the high-quality renovation of Myyrmäki Church. Despite some major changes to the building, the renovation managed to preserve the church's distinctive architectural values.
Myyrmäki Church, designed by Juha Leiviskä and completed in 1984, is a significant architectural site and one of the most internationally renowned buildings in Vantaa. The church is classified as built heritage.
The renovation was initiated because the church was suffering from structural and indoor air problems. In addition to repairing the problems, changes were made to meet current needs. The accessibility of the premises was improved and modern technology was installed. The changes were made to fit in with the original architecture. The renovated church was inaugurated in August 2024.
Visit Myyrmäki Church via the finnisharchitecture.fi webservice.
