Helsinki Olympic Stadium wins Finlandia Prize

Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium and tower count among the city’s best-known landmarks. Designed by K2S and NRT architects, this year’s winning project comprised the refurbishment of the historic stadium structure and the addition of a multi-purpose extension and new roofing for the stadium’s distinctive curved stands.

The winner was chosen by musician and actor Paula Vesala, said the City of Helsinki in a press release. The prize is awarded annually by the Association of Finnish Architects (SAFA).

Commenting on her choice of winner, Paula Vesala said she wanted to thank the professionals involved in the Olympic Stadium refurbishment project for their stylish and historically astute approach to conservation.

“This national monument is not a statue that people turn up merely to look at. Within its walls, people experience some of the most extraordinary moments of their lives; incredible highs, long days of training, sweat, disappointment, euphoria, victories, and defeats. Every effort has been made to meet the needs of the vast and diverse group of people that visit this building, whilst also respecting its remarkable heritage,” said Vesala.

The other shortlisted nominees for this year’s Finlandia Prize for Architecture were Aalto University’s new campus complex in Otaniemi, Espoo, K-Kampus in Kalasatama, Helsinki, and the Toritalo residential building in Kotka.