12/2024
Architects Laura Kaveri and Tiina Nykänen, who love creative solutions, say that whether they are designing new office spaces, service buildings or renovating old ones, their work is guided by the well-being of the environment and nature.
Arkkitehdit Arctila Oy is an architectural firm in Helsinki, founded in 2022 by two women, Laura Kaveri and Tiina Nykänen. Arctila Architects Ltd specialises in commercial, service, office and residential design, with values of well-being, thoughtfulness and a strong connection to nature.
Architects Kaveri and Nykänen founded Arkkitehdit Arctila Oy at a time of great uncertainty in the world. The women have got off to a good start and in the last couple of years they have got things going well.
The women say they found it daunting at first to take the big step, but with passion, hard work and confidence they have done exactly what they are supposed to do.
Tiina Nykänen, co-owner of Arctila Architects, says that their strength is designing buildings with values that respect the environment and people.
– Laura is often more inspired by new designs and I am a passionate advocate for old buildings,” she says.
The guy agrees and continues that Arctila has gotten involved in some great projects, both on the new and renovation side.
– Our current aim is to get involved in inspiring renovation and change of use projects, which we see as a very topical type of construction project in many areas, and we therefore encourage property owners to venture into renovation and change of use projects. Changes of use and renovations, when done correctly, are often both environmental and value-enhancing projects. Every old building has many stories to tell, so restoring one old and valuable building to its new glory can also contribute to the value and development of the whole area. An interesting trend in renovation construction that has been on the rise recently is the direct use of existing structures and elements as much as possible. This brings an additional design challenge of its own. Of course, this has been evident throughout the ages, for example in the reuse of old log structures. Bringing an old building back to its former glory and purpose is a new and different honour for us architects every time. “Our responsibility is to design a building that respects the existing architecture and layers of time, while meeting the needs of the new use and complying with today’s regulations and quality requirements,” he points out.
Complementing each other as friends, architects and now partners for ten years, the women say that their job as architects is to make sure that all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place throughout the project, whether it’s a new build or a renovation.
– Architectural design is based on the ability to reconcile and hone into a balanced whole a variety of perspectives, desires and needs, as well as construction-related factors from all angles, they conclude.
The article is published in Ammattirakentaja magazine. You can also read the digital version of the article at the link below.
👉 https://ammattirakentaja.fi/vanhan-rakennuksen-korjaaminen-voi-nostaa-koko-alueen-arvoa-arkkitehti-tarjoaa-tietoista-luovaa-ja-kaytannollista-nakokulmaa/
