Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Finnish Architecture & Design
Photo: Mika Huisman.
A new way of learning Finnish schools are at the forefront when it comes to global education – something that Arkkitehtitoimisto Perko Oy holds onto when designing new schools. The curricula are leaning increasingly towards a new concept of ‘open learning’, rejecting the idea of traditional classrooms in schools.
& Pursiainen for over 15 years. At the moment, we are collaborating with pedagogic specialist Pasi Mattila and Finpeda on a number of school projects,” says the owner.
By Ndéla Faye
“One of the reasons Finland is continually at the top of education league tables is no doubt our unorthodox approach to education,” says Tomi Perko, owner of Arkkitehtitoimisto Perko Oy. One of the basic principles of the Finnish education system is that everyone must have equal access to high-quality education and training, most of which is funded by the state. Arkkitehtitoimisto Perko Oy’s focus is the design of schools and nurseries. Their other work includes smaller-scale building designs to large public ventures. “As we offer many services, from reno100 | Issue 82 | November 2015
vation to urban planning projects, we are able to tailor our services to the needs of each client. We work to maintain a close relationship with our clients throughout a project by listening to their wishes and incorporating their ideas into our designs,” says Perko. Adjusting to new ways of studying “We co-operate with other public and private sector building industry operators and often enter into long-term partnerships. For example, we have collaborated with Arkkitehtuuritoimisto Meskanen
Recently, Arkkitehtitoimisto Perko Oy won a competition arranged by the municipality of Hollola, Finland. “This particular project comprises of two school buildings that represent the latest knowledge and innovation in open learning schools,” Perko says. The buildings have been designed to accommodate a new way of learning, endorsed by the Finnish Education Ministry. Arkkitehtitoimisto Perko Oy also won a ‘life cycle’ project competition in Porvoo for their design of three nurseries and two schools, the latter being part of an open learning environment. “We are working with pedagog-