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The artists of the first art pieces for Aalto University’s new buildings were publicized. The works of art will be displayed in the two cluster areas in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture building, Väre, and in the main entrance hall of the School of Business building. Both buildings in Otaniemi are nearing completion. 

The jury chose “INSIGHT” by Tommi Grönlund and Petteri Nisunen and “LUMEN” by Kirsi Kaulanen for the School of Arts, Design and Architecture building, Väre, through an invited art competition. The joint works by Grönlund and Nisunen focus on studying natural phenomena and the essence of time. Kaulanen is best known for her laser-cut stainless-steel installations. 

A design proposal for the installation for the main entrance hall of the School of Business building will be acquired from architectural ceramist Kirsi Kivivirta, whose art is centered on unique jigsaw-like wall works.

“Our aim in Aalto University is to increase the visibility, impact and value of art and creativity in society. Newly selected artworks for the School of Art, Design and Architecture and the School of Business are doing just that. They call to create new connections and relevance for our university and its teaching, research and art. The pieces act as guides not only for the new buildings, but also to the history and future of the university. I look forward to seeing the artwork in place at the opening party in September”, says Anna Valtonen, Vice President for Art and Creative Practices at Aalto University.

Aalto University is the only Finnish university that adheres to the one percent of art in its construction and renewal projects. In addition to the works by Grönlund, Nisunen, Kaulanen and Kivivirta, other art purchases will be made for Väre and the School of Business building. The 70-meter protective concrete wall next to the buildings will get a new look after the results from the student art competition.

Global equality and human approach as art concepts

The concept of ”Global equality” emphasizes first the global aspects of the arts, which has increased during the last decades. The public art works highlight that the School of Art, Design and Architecture is an internationally recognized and ambitious school. Public art at the School of Business aims to create an inclusive and dialogical experience and to create an open and low hierarchy working and learning environment. The art concept Human approach respects the past, still keeping an eye on the future. The art concepts for Väre and the School of Business were co-created by Aalto University’s Art Coordinator Outi Turpeinen with the students and staff of the schools.

More info:
Outi Turpeinen
Aalto University, Art Coordinator
outi.turpeinen@aalto.fi
+358 50 4314194
 

The vision of public art at Aalto University

In 2017, Aalto University decided to comply with a one per cent art principle in its building projects. The art percent is a funding model for art purchases, where approximately one per cent of a building project's funds are allocated to art purchases. The one per cent art principle was first applied to Radical Nature art concept in Aalto University’s main building Dipoli.

The vision of public art at Aalto University is to address and raise questions about what it is to be a university, what we do together in society, and what constitutes the public. Public art is site-specific and connects with the diversity of the university and its post-disciplinary communities. Public artworks reflect this diversity through different art forms, materials, techniques and traditions.

More on public art at Aalto University

Väre and the School of Business building

The School of Arts, Design and Architecture building, Väre, will be completed in Summer 2018. Väre opening ceremony is part of Aalto Day One event on 5 September 2018. The School of Business building will be completed by the end of 2018. The new block also houses the metro station, opened already, and the Aalto University Metro Centre with its shops and services. The architecture of the buildings is by Verstas Architects.