Kontukoski Architects: Bringing together function, warmth and Finnish design

By Molly McPharlin

Focusing on the design of multifunctional, sustainable and equitable spaces, Kontukoski Architects aim to create modern environments that serve their user’s needs. Advocating for including opportunities for movement and human connection directly into urban settings, their designs are fun but functional, ensuring that every person feels welcome and included.

Founded in Tampere, Finland in 2008 by Petri Kontukoski, Kontukoski has vast experience designing numerous types of projects, from buildings for healthcare and sports to multipurpose gathering spaces. “We create spaces for everyone to experience and use,” says Elina Salakari, deputy CEO of Kontukoski. “Whether it’s a meeting between a patient and their doctor, a class of students and their teacher, or an audience and performers, we’re guided by user experience. Our sports projects, such as Grip Action Sports Hub and Hakametsä Sport Campus, both in Tampere, are particularly interesting because of their demanding design tasks and complex user needs.” Though experts in the creation of public, communal spaces, Kontukoski Architects welcome private projects as well. “We’re open to the opportunity to pursue our human-centred way of working within any forum.”

Ruusutarha Nursery. Photo: Wellu Hämäläinen

Core to the philosophy of Kontukoski is humanity. “We create spaces for people to meet because we believe the most successful encounters are meaningful and lasting, much like the most successful architecture,” says Salakari. “At Kontukoski, architectural quality means a cohesive aesthetic rooted in Nordic clarity and culture.”

Kontukoski uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) when designing their buildings. This is a digital process for creating, managing and using intelligent 3D models of physical buildings throughout their entire lifecycle. “In our design work, BIM enables the different disciplines of a project to be reviewed and developed as a whole,” says Salakari. “BIM improves the management quality and enables us to closely calculate points such as cost, energy use, and climate impact.”

Valteri School. Photo: Marko Kallio

Though based in Finland, Kontukoski values international collaboration. They have worked with internationally renowned architectural firms and value the exchange of expertise and ideas. “We think Finnish design and architecture are special because they relate to clarity, human need and usability along with a strong relationship to Nordic cultural values and nature,” Salakari says. “We love gaining fresh ideas from outside the country and then interpreting these influences from our own perspective.”