Traditions and the future
The Department of Architecture at Aalto University is the oldest of the three schools of architecture in Finland. Even from an international point of view the school is exceptionally rich in tradition. When architectural education started in Finland in 1872 it was part of the Polytechnic School and thus part of the European education tradition where architecture was part of technological sciences. Another predominant idea has been to connect architectural education with the academies of art.
The Department of Architecture has from the very beginning had an independent position. Education was given in the very centre of Helsinki for the first 90 years. In 1964 the main building of the School of Science and Technology built on the campus ground in Otaniemi was finished. In the same year the Department of Architecture moved in to its own wing in the main building. The unique campus and the main building were designed by Alvar Aalto.
One of the most essential features of Finnish architectural education has always been to keep close contact with the professional practice of architecture and the social reality of Finland. The tradition of practical training has maintained the realistic and professional line of the school and guaranteed a high professional skill of the graduated architects. As a consequence education times have been prolonged and theoretical, experimental and utopistic working traditions have suffered.
During recent years interplay between architecture and fine arts has increased. This is mostly due to the opportunities that the art studios and workshop facilities offer. There appears to be an increasing interest in discussing various phenomena within architectural theory.
Through the years teachers at the department have been leading architects and active within their field. This has contributed to keeping up a socially and professionally realistic and responsible atmosphere.
The study reform that took place 1960-70 enhanced openness but at the same time it led to a disruption in the educational system. The current educational system strengthens studies as many of them, during the first years, are the same for everyone; during master studies it is possible to direct studies according to one’s own wishes. In the end the goal for the current education system is to give all graduates a broad view on an architect’s or landscape architect’s field of work.
There is a strong tradition in Finland regarding international interaction in the field of architecture. The Department of Architecture offers English taught master programmes. The International Architecture Program, with exchange and guest students, forms its own entity within the educational activities at the department. Dozens of international students study each year at the Department. Correspondingly students at the Department go abroad to study or on a practical training period.
The goal for the Department of Architecture is be one of the leading architectural schools in Europe; the good architectural reputation Finland has works in favour of these ambitions.