Finlandia Architecture Prize goes to Tammela Stadium

Tammela Stadium has been announced as the winner of this year’s Finlandia Prize for Architecture, said the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA) in a press release on Monday.

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 SAFA.

“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 added.

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,” he added.

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.

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.

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 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.