Architecture Walking Tour: 1970s Olari

In the 1960s Finland’s new economic prosperity led to the migration of many Finnish people from the countryside to towns and to a housing shortage. In new suburban developments, the infrastructure of whole new communities, including residences, shops, and daycare centers, was planned. Olari, designed by Simo Järvinen in the late 1960s, is based on a compact grid pattern. It separates pedestrian routes and car parking and follows dramatic hilly and rocky terrain. Our tour addresses (1) the ideas about neighborhood planning that influenced the design and the values that it seeks to promote, and (2) the construction methods and materials of the buildings. 

Architecture walking tours series is written and hosted by Gayle McKeen. She holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Chicago and has taught at universities in the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Schedule

Wednesday 5 July, 2023 | 4–6 pm
Language: English | Participation: free of charge 

Wednesday 2 August, 2023 | 4–6 pm
Language: English | Participation: free of charge 

Thursday 17 August, 2023 | 1–3 pm | Night of the Arts 2023
Language: English | Participation: free of charge 

Participation

A total of 25 participants will be admitted to one architecture walking tour. Places are filled in the order of arrival. Please arrive in time before the start time of the tour – the tour starts at even hours.

Accessibility 

The tour starts
Simo Järvisen aukio, Suomelanraitti
02210 Espoo

The tour ends
Meteorinrata (near Olarinkatu), Kuitinmäki
02210 Espoo

The walking tour takes place in urban public space and lasts about 2 hours. The total length of the route is about 2 kilometers. During the tour, there are several stairs and steps. The terrain is rocky and hilly with some uneven surfaces. On the walking tour, the progression is calm and includes several stops. There are no easily accessible seats or benches along the route. You can bring your own camping chair. There are no easily accessible public or gender-neutral toilets located nearby.

On the architecture walking tour we follow the principles for a safer space, to which we are committed to in all museum activities. You can find more information about the principles of a safer space in the Museum of Finnish Architecture at this link: https://www.mfa.fi/…/the-museum-of-finnish-architecture…/ (link opens in a new tab).

For more information

Jemina Lindholm
Manager of Learning and Public Programmes
Museum of Finnish Architecture
+358 45 7731 0476
jemina.lindholm@mfa.fi