We celebrated the confirmation of my husband’s grandson Kalle at the Tapiola Church. Tapiola in Espoo is world famous for its beautiful architecture and brought worldwide fame for Finnish urban planning. From its first stages in the 50s it gained both a national and international reputation for its high class architecture and landscaping. You know that I am a fan of modern Finnish architecture, but I have to say that this church is ugly! And I am not alone with my opinion.
There are no decorations, only grey brick walls all over. No Christ or painting at the altar.
Outside is a massive undulating concrete block.
The church was completed in 1965. The architect was Professor Aarno Ruusuvuori, who was selected through an invitation to tender. The competition entry of Ruusuvuori was called "Holy Trees". Because the church grounds were surrounded by tall white housing towers, with which the church building could not compete, the architect's vision was to turn the building into a dark shadow over a pine forest.
Photo: Antti Vettenranta / Pharmacy News
The Tapiola Church in Espoo was a success a few years ago in a vote of Helsingin Sanomat (the leading newspaper in the country) seeking the ugliest church in Finland. People did not like the bunker-like design of the building and the "concrete monstrosity” lacked totally prestige in their opinion. I have to agree, but then I saw this article in favour written by Ville Hänninen / Pharmacy News. He wrote:
"As I sit on the bench, my eyes turn to the wall, again and again. I think of children who, in their boredom, count bricks during the worship. I listen to the sound of the organ and I look the entity of the bricks, individual bricks, their similarities - until I interact with the work. The building calms, and protects.”
My husband’s beautiful daughter and the handsome grandson ❤︎
I don’t know about the calming effect, but the ceremony was beautiful and the young boys and girls adorable. It had been an international confirmation camp where also some children of expatriate Finns participated. The languages were Finnish & English. The after party was full of delicious food & laughter, the sun was shining, and the day was happy and a success!
Uma moderna igreja, gostei e aproveito para desejar um bom fim-de-semana.
VastaaPoistaAndarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
No tenemos tanta belleza y adornos como usted en Portugal. Feliz fin de semana.
PoistaLove riitta,
VastaaPoistaI understand very well that this modern church polarizes. You like it...or not!
Nevertheless, the main thing is that your celebration was beautiful and successful.
Love greetings
moni
Yes, the young people were so lovely - and innocent - they don't know what the life brings! Warm greetings!
PoistaTo each their own. :)
VastaaPoistaSo be it!
Poista...we have a Unitarian church locally that is built of concrete. It's a modern style which I enjoy, but many do not! Thanks Riitta for stopping by, enjoy your weekend.
VastaaPoistaWe have many modern churches in Finland, but this is the crudest of them all :) Have a nice weekend Tom.
PoistaKieltämättä kirkko muistuttaa enemmän viljasiiloa kuin kirkkoa. Hieno tapahtuma näyttää joka tapauksessa olleen.
VastaaPoista:DD Kyllä vain! Jos tuossa alttariseinässä olisi ollut vaikka pieni pyöreä lasimaalausikkuna, olisin tykännyt. Mutta ei tietenkään koristelut sopineet Ruusuvuorelle!
PoistaThe church leaves me uncertain...but your husband's relatives are surely beautiful and smart.
VastaaPoistaAll the best!
How happy your stepdaughter and grandson look. Blessings on your grandson. I have to agree that I don't find the church attractive, but to each his own.
VastaaPoistaKaunis äiti ja komea poika.
VastaaPoistaKirkon seinä on kuin navetan seinä, mutta joku siitäkin tykkää.
Beautiful people worshipping together. Blessed Sunday!
VastaaPoistaLa hija y nieto de tu esposo son muy guapos. La iglesia tampoco me gusta, pero siempre hay gustos para todos. Besitos.
VastaaPoistaThe happy people are the important thing of course, but I agree with you that it is a very odd looking church. I would not find it restful or conducive to prayers or meditation.
VastaaPoista