Oulu School — A unique attitude towards architecture in Oulu

Architecture and built environment are more than infrastructure. They are in constant dialogue with culture, technology and human experience. Observing our environment we can learn about the future as much as about the past.

Oulu School as a new approach to architecture emerged at Oulu University towards the end of 1970’s, its impact continuing till early 1990’s. This attitude towards architecture was influenced by postmodernism and regionalism and received plenty of attention at the time. The attitude is still discussed.

Proto and SAFA of Northern Finland organise an exhibition with the highly interesting Oulu School buildings complemented by interviews of architects who designed them. Oulu School’s relevance regarding architecture of today and sustainable development will be discussed. The buildings can be visited in excursions and through 3D models, to be created by Oulu University architecture students.

Many of the Oulu School buildings are now in need of renovation, many of them even under the threat to be demolished. The exhibition taking a fresh look at Oulu School reminds us of this significant period in architecture — now when the buildings are still there and many of them can still be saved for future generations.

In collaboration with Proto

Pohjolan OP, Main Partner for the exhibition
SAFA of Northern Finland
Oulu University School of Architecture

Curator team

Pia Krogius, SAFA of Northern Finland; Petteri Kummala, Architecture and Design Museum: Mikko Mannberg, Finnish Heritage Agency;
Janne Pihlajaniemi, Oulu University, School of Architecture; Anni Vartola, Aalto University

Interested in collaboration — Contact

Pia Krogius, Exhibition Producer, pia.krogius@gmail.com
Päivi Tahkokallio, Proto2026 Programme, Programme Director, paivi@tahkokallio.fi