SAFA announces the first Finlandia Prize for Architecture

The Finlandia Prize for Architecture, announced for the first time by the Finnish Association of Architects, SAFA, a non-profit professional organisation has shortlisted candidates that represent high-quality public architecture, designed to generate cultural values and well-being. 
The works will be judged by economics professor Sixten Korkman, an influential figure outside the field of architecture. The organisers chose him because they wanted to emphasise the fact that architecture is not just for a small elite group, it is an experience that affects the lives of everyone. 
The four shortlisted projects went through a strict pre-selection process, and include: Gösta's Pavilion, an extension to the Serlachius Museum Gösta, designed by the Spanish architecture firm, MX-SI with Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects; Kaisa House, the main library of the University of Helsinki, designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects for the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012; the extension of the Seinäjoki Public Library, consisting of two buildings – the old main library designed by Alvar Aalto and the new one designed by JKMM Architects; the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, located in Warsaw and designed by Lahdelma & Mahlmäki Architects.
The winner will be announced at an event in November. Which project will Professor Sixten Korkman select?

(Christiane Bürklein)

Prize: Finlandia Prize for Architecture
Organisers: SAFA -  Finnish Association of Architects http://www.arkkitehtuurinfinlandia.fi
Photography: Courtesy of SAFA
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