Patricio Pouchulu Architect / Kalevala / Ahvenanmaa / Finland / 2002

In Finland (like in most northern European territories) architecture follows a high degree of delicacy and a very strong desire for spiritual spaces. Reality seems to be slower but deeper. Objects and attitudes refer a more civilised environmental world. This project is a Theatre and School of Drama. It is supposed to be placed in Ahvenanmaa Islands and its name honours the Kalevala, Finnish national epic. There are three elements: the Theatre (in the picture, centre), the main Library (right) and the Student Residences (behind). This is an introspective building, whose forms look for magnificent views and tiny sunlight, very precious at extreme latitudes (60 degrees north). A very flexible plan allows students, teachers and writers to walk within pods, big studios or resting areas, all spatially linked. The skin has holes and gaps pointing the landscape, so the building becomes part of it. DE EN ES FR