Four projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Finlandia Prize for Architecture: the refurbishment of Finlandia Hall, Katajanokan Laituri, Meander housing development, and the Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating Plant. The winner will be announced on 6 October.

In 2025, the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA) will be presenting the Finlandia Prize for Architecture for the 12th time. The prize shortlist is drawn up by a pre-selection jury appointed each year by SAFA. A single judge is then chosen to select the winner from among the shortlisted candidates.

This October, the winner will be picked by Archbishop Tapio Luoma. Familiarising himself with the shortlistees has been a fascinating and fulfilling experience, he says.

Tapio Luoma has served as the Archbishop of Finland’s Evangelical Lutheran Church since 2018. During his tenure, he has advocated for people living in poverty and highlighted their right to dignity and respect at a time of welfare reforms and other public spending cuts.

The recipient of the Finlandia Prize for Architecture is chosen each year by an influential public figure who is a recognised expert in an area other than architecture.

The four finalists were chosen through an open call. Except for the Finlandia Hall refurbishment, all the shortlisted candidates this year are new build properties.

This year’s pre-selection jury comprised Professor Matti Sanaksenaho (Chair) and Professor Panu Savolainen alongside architects Miia-Liina Tommila and Kirsi Korhonen. The secretariat was provided by Paula Huotelin.