A national fascination
DE SIG SPE N A CIA ND L T AR HEM TI N F E: IN L
Design and art are a part of the Finnish national identity, with design in particular forming a part of Finns’ everyday lives. By Nia Kajastie | Photo: VisitFinland.com as well as sustainable products and projects.
Finnish people have a very practical attitude towards design, which is reflected in the functional qualities of a lot of design objects. Products by brands like Marimekko and Iittala and designers such as Alvar Aalto and Kaj Franck are a common sight in homes and offices; in Finland, design isn’t something inherently exclusive. Visual art, on the other hand, might not be as readily obtainable, but it holds just as much meaning for people, with much love and pride shown for both classic and contemporary artworks.
Modern Finnish designers, while still drawing inspiration from classic Finnish design language, are often exceedingly bold and willing to push the boundaries. However, something that seemingly never changes is the influence Finnish nature has on designers and artists; the shapes, forms, materials and landscapes can be found echoed in everything from crockery to jewellery.
When it comes to Finnish design, as well as architecture, good design does not mean something that is simply good-looking; it should also be of high quality and long lasting. Today’s designers and architects naturally aim to create high-grade
Just like design, visual art is an integral part of being Finnish; everyone is familiar with works by artists of the “Golden Age” of Finnish art, from Akseli Gallen-Kallela to Helene Schjerfbeck. While classic or modern artworks are not part of every-
The famous Alvar Aalto vase
one’s daily lives, they still inhabit an important space in people’s cultural consciousness – even in today’s age of image oversaturation.
Award-winning architectural solutions based on vast experience The Tampere-based architectural design firm and construction consulting company Arkkitehtitoimisto Neva Oy (Neva Architects Ltd) boasts over 40 years of experience creating high-grade architectural solutions for its wide range of clients. By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Arkkitehtitoimisto Neva Oy
Neva Architects’ versatile portfolio includes residential, public and commercial sector projects, as well as masterplanning, restoration and future visioning. Through the years, the firm has gained a reputation as a reputable partner that works in close cooperation with its clients and approaches each project with new eyes and renewed interest. “First and foremost, all projects are unique. All our clients receive personalised service and end products,” explains CEO Petteri Neva. “The project site is our starting point for the design and directly linked to factors like climate, transport links and visibility – depending on the project type – and once the area has been mapped in the right way, the client’s needs come to the foreground. We need to take into account style and qualitative factors that fit the client’s brief and budget. While we do steer
them towards sustainable architecture, we don’t put words in their mouths.
“Naturally one of the main premises for the design lies also in the intended use of the building – without dismissing design-led thinking.” Neva Architects has worked on projects all around Finland, but is also setting its sights beyond Finnish borders.
Arkkitehtitoimisto Neva Oy has been awarded with the City of Tampere environmental board’s award for good construction, the “Durable stone building” work group’s national durable stone building award, and Kangasala municipality’s construction of the year award.
Tahkovouri Golden Resort leisure destination. Holiday apartments, a hotel and a golf course.
The firm makes use of the latest computeraided design technology, working on iMac workstations and with ArchiCAD design software and the 3D rendering software Artlantis Studio.
For more information, please visit: www.neva.fi Contact details: Tel: +358 (0)3 260 5000 Email: ark@neva.fi Lobby view of shopping centre project in western Finland.
Issue 53 | June 2013 | 67
AN D