UKI Architects Foundation Awards Its First Grants – €13,000 for Architecture, Research and Culture
The UKI Architects Foundation has awarded its first grants. A total of €13,000 was awarded to five projects supporting architectural heritage, research, education and new connections between architecture and other art forms. The first grant round marks an important step in the Foundation’s long-term work to support Finnish architecture and culture, especially in northern Finland.
The Foundation’s first call for grant applications attracted a wide range of projects related to architecture, the built environment, research and culture. The applications covered topics from architectural heritage and the history of architecture in northern Finland to the circular economy, architectural education and new technologies. They also included projects combining different art forms and exploring the future of housing.
Matti Heikkinen, Chair of the Board, and Mikko Heikkinen, Member of the Board, say that both the range and quality of applications met the expectations set when the Foundation was established.
“We are particularly pleased to support projects related to the architectural history of northern Finland and the work of people and researchers in the region. Supporting education is also important to us, especially the continued success of architectural education at the University of Oulu,” they say.
Five Grants, Five Perspectives on Architecture
AaltoSiilo Association received €4,000 to support the development of the Aaltosiilo building in Toppila, Oulu, into a centre for architecture, learning and culture.
Alvar Aalto was involved in the design of the former industrial silo, built in the 1930s. Today, it is an important example of industrial architectural heritage. The aim is to give the building a new purpose as a place for culture and learning.
According to Matti Heikkinen, the project also has a strong connection to the history of UKI Architects.
“For decades, we have recognised the importance of industrial buildings. Architectural quality has always been an important part of our industrial building projects. Aaltosiilo can serve as an example of how an old industrial building does not have to be demolished. It can be given a new purpose.”
Sofia Nivarti received €3,000 to write an article about the work of architect Eino Pitkänen (1904–1955).
Originally from Kajaani, Pitkänen was an important architect in northern Finland, known especially for his industrial and public buildings. His work in Oulu includes Valkealinna, the Weckmann House and the original Oulu Oy buildings.
“Eino Pitkänen was a talented and productive architect who designed many buildings in Kajaani and Oulu. His work deserves more attention. The work of architects from northern Finland is not widely known, and it is important to study it and make it better known,” says Matti Heikkinen.
Heljä Nieminen received €2,000 to develop an interior architecture concept in Sodankylä inspired by the visual style and use of space in Aki Kaurismäki’s films.
The project explores how spaces and visual elements in films can inspire interior design. It brings together architecture and cinema, offering a fresh perspective on how spaces can be designed and experienced.
Jonna Silvo received €2,000 for research at the University of Oulu into the use of aged wood materials in construction.
The research explores how older wood materials could be used in building projects and how they compare with modern construction materials. The topic is closely linked to the circular economy and the sustainable use of materials.
Tanya Yliaho received €2,000 for research at the University of Oulu’s School of Architecture into how students develop their ability to evaluate architectural work.
The research looks at the role of self-assessment and peer feedback in developing students’ professional skills. Its aim is to improve architectural education and help students prepare for working life.
Architecture Is More Than Designing Buildings
The first grant decisions reflect the Foundation’s interest in supporting new ideas and different ways of thinking about architecture.
“As a foundation awarding grants, we need to keep an open mind. We should not limit our support to the same types of projects. Research and new ideas should also make us stop and think: that’s an interesting way of looking at things,” Matti and Mikko explain.
The First Grants Mark the Start of Long-Term Work
The Foundation received several interesting applications and had to make choices about which projects to support. As a new foundation, the funds available for grants are still limited, and not every good project could receive support.
The Foundation aims to grow its funds so that it can support more projects in architecture, research and culture in the future.
“This was our first grant round. We want this work to continue, and we hope to be able to award more grants in the coming years,” says Matti Heikkinen.
The UKI Architects Foundation thanks everyone who applied for a grant. The wide range of applications shows that there are many interesting projects in architecture, research and culture that would benefit from support.