Carrying values forward – the UKI Architects Foundation supports the continuity of architecture and culture
The idea behind the foundation arose from in-depth discussions between Matti and Mikko Heikkinen on continuity and on recognising and acknowledging Uki Heikkinen’s legacy. For decades, the work had been strong and ambitious, so it would have been wrong for the story to suddenly come to an end.
The foundation is a good and official way to provide financial support to specific causes and actors. The establishment of the UKI Architects Foundation is also a great way to keep the legacy alive, even if the company or ownership changes at some point. The foundation carries the name and spirit forward. Oulu, and all of northern Finland, play an essential role in the story.
Matti and Mikko say that UKI Architects is part of the history of construction in northern Finland, and that feels important,
“Our work is visible and is also part of many other people’s history. Successes achieved through collaboration with multiple actors provide opportunities to make good decisions. For example, we want to help ensure that the university thrives and that the architecture department stays here.”
Support is a value-based choice
Uki Heikkinen was – and his name still is – well-known in the urban development of northern Finland as a teacher, headteacher, architect and entrepreneur. His work has successfully continued in subsequent generations thanks to Matti and Mikko Heikkinen. To them, establishing the foundation wasn’t about finances; it was a principled choice shaped by long-standing values that are important to the Heikkinen family.
Mikko describes life as a long-distance run, with communities and individuals alike participating and doing their part to contribute. We can do good, and work can be made visible as your possibilities allow.
“We want to show that this is another way of doing things. We want to pay good forward. If that inspires someone, that alone would be a good outcome,” says Mikko.
Uki Heikkinen – a professor, teacher, and artistic soul
The founder of UKI Architects, Professor Uki Heikkinen, was a teacher and artistic soul whose handiwork is still visible in many northern buildings. He is also remembered for his kindness and how he valued everyone.
“He was an excellent draughtsman and watercolour painter. By nature, he was an open and artistically minded soul, but he nevertheless possessed an innate authority. He never had to raise his voice to get people to listen,” Matti explains.
His clear and reasonable rules applied to the home, his friends, and society in general. Uki Heikkinen guided young people in his warm and laid-back way, creating an atmosphere around him that had no room for selfishness. The values learnt at home have been carried forward by the generations that followed.
“He was a teacher and rector at the technical school. Today, that connection continues through the University of Oulu, as the rector serves on the board of the foundation.
The foundation’s mission and future
The Heikkinen family’s approach to the future is a mix of gratitude and a sense of obligation. We are living in a time where culture, art, and research need people to defend and build them.
The UKI Architects Foundation was born as much from the past as from the future: it carries the values cherished by Professor Heikkinen and his family, the long-standing culture of dedication at UKI Architects, and the Heikkinen family’s own vision of continuity and responsibility. By supporting architecture, art, and education, the foundation can provide concrete assistance and build a better tomorrow.
“Architecture is one of our callings in life. We understand the significance of architecture, and through the foundation’s work, we can promote and share all the good things that the profession creates. We want to strengthen understanding of the importance of architecture’s role in society,” Mikko explains.
“The foundation serves to enable the interests of the northern region, and of Finland more broadly, and offer opportunities for young people to encourage interest in and commitment to the profession and to architecture itself,” adds Matti.