Throughout the past decade Finland has excelled in the OECD’s international PISA surveys of student attainment. But how and why are Finnish schools churning out top results? In its summer exhibition the Museum of Finnish Architecture explores this question from an architectural angle, based on the premise that learning is invariably influenced by the environment in which it takes place. It examines the Finnish school establishment today and yesterday from the viewpoint of its architecture.
 
Already featured in abridged version at the Venice Biennale of Architecture in autumn 2010, the core part of the exhibition focuses on seven Finnish schools built in the 2000s that offer a representative sample of contemporary school architecture in Finland. Rounding out the contemporary section is an overview of school architecture from 1900 to the 1970s comprised mostly of original drawings from the museum’s collections. Also featured is a comprehensive textual history of Finnish schools plus two slide shows.
 
Various trends are posing new challenges for school architecture. These include rising student numbers, the growing popularity of age-integrated classes, inclusion of students with special needs, multiculturalism and the multipurpose use of school facilities by the local community. Social interaction, pleasant user experience and transparency have emerged as three key themes in contemporary school architecture.
 
Finland embraces a time-honoured tradition of providing equal access to education for all. This egalitarian principle forms the foundation of Finland’s outstanding and well-reputed school system. Finland’s publicly funded education system guarantees everyone equal rights to a high-quality teaching and learning environment.
 
The seven highlighted schools
Strömberg School, Helsinki, 2001. Kari Järvinen and Merja Nieminen Architects SAFA
Viikki Teacher Training School, Helsinki, 2004. ARK-House Architects
Hiidenkivi Comprehensive School, Helsinki, 2005. Häkli Architects
Sakarinmäki School and Day Nursery, Helsinki, 2006. FLN Architects
Comprehensive School in Joensuu, 2007. Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects
Enter Upper Secondary School and Vocational College, Sipoo, 2007. K2S Architects
Kirkkojärvi School, Espoo, 2010. Verstas Architects
 
The exhibition is produced by the Museum of Finnish Architecture.