Finnish Architecture – Observations From New York by Laura Koskela

Throughout the years, the FCINY has had the opportunity to work with EDUFI - the Finnish National Agency for Education and The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland to provide internships for students from various fields. One of them is Laura Koskela who joined the institute in 2023. As part of her internship, she worked on her thesis to complete a Master of Science degree in Architecture.

We are excited to announce that Laura’s thesis has now been published! Her research focuses on the potential of Finnish architecture to gain greater global recognition. During her time at the Institute, she connected with architects in New York City, interviewing them for her work. Laura’s thesis explores how Finnish architectural principles, known for their functional beauty and sustainability, can influence and inspire the international architectural landscape. 

Quotes from the interviews with different architects.

You can read a more in-depth summary of the thesis provided by Laura below:

In this thesis, I examine the international potential of Finnish architecture and the expertise of Finnish architects. I explore the forms, advantages, and challenges of internationalization in the field of architecture while analyzing the international perceptions and strengths of Finnish architecture. These observations are made in relation to the phenomena of the architectural field of the United States, particularly the city of New York. The data for the thesis consists of eight expert interviews, supplemented by observations arising from previous research. I employed a semi-structured interview approach for data collection and qualitative content analysis as the analytical method. 

My analysis provides a prismatic glimpse into the international perception of Finnish architecture. Broadly, I find it is not only considered natural and sustainable but socially justified while being modest in expression. Its reported strengths include a rich history, an emphasis on high-quality public buildings, and a versatile use of wood and other natural materials. The data presents webbed and complex definitions of Finnish architecture, shaped by history, stereotypes, nation branding, and contextual factors, such as location, climate, and cultural heritage. 

I find that the internationalization in the Finnish architecture sector is justified from the perspectives of economic growth, the development of architectural research, and the dissemination of expertise and innovative solutions for a more globally sustainable future. This thesis uncovers two manifestations of the phenomenon: the design of projects abroad; and the broader participation in international architectural discourse through conferences and publications. Data analysis suggests that internationalization is primarily hindered by structural factors such as the size of Finnish architecture firms, national qualification requirements and regulations, and the scarcity of state resources for cultural exports and international collaborations. Furthermore, social norms typically associated with Finnish culture, such as modesty, are evaluated as possible disadvantage factors in the internationalization towards the United States. Addressing the issues highlighted in this thesis could pave the way for Finnish architecture to achieve greater global recognition, making it a more influential player in the international architectural landscape.