Brutalism — for good?

Brutalism — for good? is an exhibition put together of two separate parts by Design Centre Proto and the Northern Chapter of Association of Finnish Architects.

Loved, hated concrete (Rakas, vihattu betoni) is an exhibition displaying brutalism in architecture in Finland and its links to the international movement. The visible and bare concrete shared opinions at the time but brutalist architecture has left strong marks in built environment both in Finland and internationally. The exhibition has been inspired by science writer Mikko Laaksonen and his research on Brutalism in Finland.

Oulu Theatre and Oulu City Library by the Market Square in Oulu are outstanding examples of brutalist architecture, both designed by architects Marjatta and Martti Jaatinen. Both renovations will be completed just in time for Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year. Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki, designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, and Dipoli, currently the main building of Aalto University in Espoo, designed by the architect couple Raili and Reima Pietilä, are master pieces of brutalism in the South of Finland.

Best not to demolish (Purkamatta paras) takes a look at demolishing buildings from the points of view of climate change and cultural heritage. The exhibition challenges us to think how we can renovate and  reconstruct the already existing. Best not to demolish is also a campaign — old buildings can be seen as an opportunity to repair and renew. The campaign reminds us that demolishing is in contradiction with climate change mitigation by creating CO2 emissions and wasting natural materials. Residents of Oulu will remember well the demolition of wooden buildings in suburbs Heinäpää and Puu-Tuira in late 1960’s, early 1970’s. Today demolition often continues with buildings built in those decades.

More information: www.purkamattaparas.fi

Welcome, free entry!

Open 

5 September – 25 October 2025
Wed–Fri 12–6 pm
Sat 10 am–6 pm