Topic outline

  • General


    ARK-E201101 Interplay of Cultures studio focuses on the thematic area of Global Sustainability and Cultural Locality, encompassing all scales of architectural design. It is a cross-cutting studio, which can be accepted as a studio course either in building design, housing or urban planning. This year, the Interplay of Cultures studio will again focus on the Sámi culture in the northern Lapland. The aim is to learn about our cultural differences and similarities, and to enhance understanding of the living environment and conditions of indigenous northern cultures. The course includes visiting lectures, readings and analysis tasks on indigenous cultures. The focus of the course is on knowledge building on sustainable design solutions and culturally knowledgeable architecture. The course includes studies on local building traditions and materials, as well as social, economic and climatic characteristics of the local culture. The course aims at providing the students with a wider perspective and understanding of the processes and opportunities of architectural practice when working in various cultural contexts. It also aims at developing the students’ value system and sense of responsibility. 

    During the studio we will explore questions such as how do Sámi cultures relate to our material reality, what is Sámi architecture and what cultural features are reflected in it. After first exploring Sámi cultures and their ways of inhabiting the world we set our eyes towards our Western culture. What cultural features are reflected in the way we build, and what needs to change in order for us to achieve a more balanced relationship with the more than human world.

    Depending on the pandemic situation, the studio is conducted either online or in hybrid mode. Language of the course is English.

    Studio assignment: 

    The students will be divided in groups of 3-5, depending on their preferred scale and scope of interest (building design / housing / urban planning / history / theory – or other). The groups will provide the framework and peer support for the entire duration of the studio. 

    The first part of the assignment is an analysis and critical reflection on the existing Sámi architecture. The learnings from this cultural setting will inform the second part of the assignment, which turns the focus toward our own architectural practices with the underlying question: “What can we learn from the Sámi cultures and ways of existing in the world?” 
    The reflections will be projected into concept designs in the preferred scales, situated in Rajasaari island, Helsinki. 

    The outcome of the studio will be a jointly produced exhibition and a publication. 

    External Collaborators: 

    Interplay of Cultures Studio will organize workshops and conversations with Joar Nango, a Sámi artist and architect featured in the ARS 22 exhibition by the Finnish National Gallery KIASMA. 

    Timetable: 

    Studio teaching takes place on Thursdays 13-17, period III-V (pre-assignments on period III, actual teaching starting on period IV). 

    The course begins on Thursday 17.2. at 13.00 with a guided visit to the Mäccmõš, maccâm, máhccan – The Homecoming exhibition at the National Museum of Finland. 

    Field trip: 

    25.-29.4.2022 a joint field trip to Lapland will take place in collaboration with the History of Architecture studio. 

    Prerequisites: 

    A Bachelor’s Degree is a prerequisite for the course. Proficiency in English language is mandatory. The course program contains museum visits so you will need to be able to enter museums according to current pandemic regulations (corona pass is required).

    Applying for the Course: 

    The studio is open to Master’s Program students in architecture & landscape architecture, as well as students from Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme. Maximum number of students accepted is 20. Please enroll via the department’s online system.

    Teachers: 

    Saija Hollmén, Professor of Practice in Humanitarian Architecture 

    Maiju Suomi, University Teacher

    Taru Niskanen, University Teacher

    Eve Sarapää, Architect

    For more information, please contact: Maiju Suomi, maiju.suomi@aalto.fi


    You can find the publication from 2021 Interplay of Cultures Sámi Studio at https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/bitstream/handle/123456789/111156/isbn9789526405728.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y