International cooperation for the Kuopio250 anniversary year in Savilahti

Sami Rintala is a Finnish architect, professor and artist. In 2017, the City of Kuopio got to know Sami in its twin city of Bodö, where discussions led to the idea of a joint project in Kuopio as part of the city’s anniversary year.

Together with Sami Rintala, a working group from the City of Kuopio came up with a possible location and starting point for the collaboration. They came up with the idea of a common campfire to gather around. Savilahti was chosen as the location, where a community of almost 20 000 students and numerous Finnish and international top experts have formed. The crystallisation of the idea is a common meeting place and the heart of Savilahti. A place for everyone to meet.

This is an international architectural student project. The course consists of 15 architecture students, partly from Norway and partly from other European countries, especially France and Germany. In addition to Sami Rintala, the course is led by architect and engineer Per Bertnsen.

The work will be completed as part of the course, with the actual construction taking place over two weeks at the end of May. The students will live in Kuopio during this period. Once a good idea has been found, construction will begin. The final and more detailed design will be developed during the construction process in close cooperation between the clients and the students.