Tammela Stadium has been announced as the winner of this year’s Finlandia Prize for Architecture. The winner was chosen by journalist and war correspondent Antti Kuronen. “In creating the stadium, the designers at JKMM Arkkitehdit have made a bold and fresh contribution to Finnish urban design and urban culture,” he commented. This year marks the eleventh time the prize has been presented by the Association of Finnish Architects (SAFA).
Tammela Stadium’s positioning on a modestly proportioned plot of urban land, surrounded by residential development, made a particular impression on the juror, Antti Kuronen.
“Tammela Stadium is less a monument or a piece of architectural eye candy and more a secret destination, a veritable shrine to football, whose existence only becomes apparent as you actually enter it. A first-time visitor might well pass here without ever realising they are in the presence of a well-appointed sporting venue. Tammela Stadium makes a bold and fresh contribution to Finnish urban design,” Kuronen says in his comments.
“Insightfully, this development is not dedicated to football alone, others will be able to make use of it too. Sustainability has not been overlooked either, with visitors arriving here by public transport.”
Through his choice of winner, Kuronen wanted to highlight the role of architecture in promoting peaceful coexistence for all.
“I’m delighted to be able to say that all five shortlisted projects are excellent examples of architecture’s ability to promote peaceful coexistence for all. A commitment to sustainability and to meeting the needs of all groups in society are key to achieving this. Finland can rightly be proud of its contemporary architecture. Choosing just one winner was an extremely difficult task, as all the shortlisted projects represent architecture at its very best.”
Roofs to make you smile
Commissioned by the City of Tampere and completed earlier this year, Tammela Stadium is the first major football venue in Finland to be built in a city centre location. The Stadium’s seating capacity is 8,000, rising to 15,000 for concerts. The development in its entirety comprises a football pitch, covered stands and housing that surrounds the stadium.
“It has been a genuine joy for us to be able to play a part in creating a more sustainable urban future for Tampere and in helping to make sport and culture an everyday part of local residents’ lives. Our joy is reflected in the smiling roofs that top the stands, and we hope that they will brighten up the public realm here,” said Samuli Miettinen, lead designer and founder member of JKMM Architects.
“This kind of hybrid development involving a mix of different building types and functions calls for a bold approach from everyone involved and a commitment to always taking the long-term view. I believe this has proved an excellent model for generating well-being for all and will show itself to be an excellent investment over time. We have been able to realise some very out-of-the-ordinary ideas here, and that’s been possible because of the excellent collaborative relationship fostered by all the parties.”
The stadium is designed by architects Samuli Miettinen (lead designer), Asmo Jaaksi, Teemu Kurkela and Juha Mäki-Jyllilä alongside project architects Alli Bur, Harri Koski and Kristian Forsberg at JKMM Architects.
Alongside Tammela Stadium, the 2024 Finlandia Prize for Architecture shortlist comprised the Hyytiälä Forest Station in Juupajoki, Lamminrahka School in Kangasala, Lastu campus building in Järvenpää and the Tapiola Church refurbishment in Tapiola.
About the Finlandia Prize for Architecture and Pre-Selection Jury
The pre-selection jury comprised Professor Jenni Reuter (Chair), architects Harri Hautajärvi and Kirsi Korhonen, and Professor Matti Sanaksenaho. The secretariat was provided by Paula Huotelin.
The Finlandia Prize for Architecture is awarded for the design or renovation design of an outstanding new building or building complex that has been completed within the past three years. The prize may be awarded either to a Finnish or foreign architect, or to an architectural firm for a project designed for a location in Finland; or to a Finnish architect or architectural firm for a project designed for a location abroad.
The purpose of the prize is to promote the appreciation of high-quality architecture and to highlight the importance of architecture in generating cultural value and increasing well-being.
Each year, SAFA’s Board appoints a pre-selection jury responsible for drawing up the prize shortlist. The winner is chosen from among the shortlisted candidates by a selector appointed each year for the role.
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