LOUKIS MENELAOU 2018-19 YEAR 2

Building Sisu

“But Tom was different. He had sisu.”

Something that makes the Finns eccentric is their sisu, an ability to be able to overcome hardships in life through resilience and persistence, self-marginalisation and contemplation. A rehabilitation centre for social media addicts combats their addictions by amplifying the nature surrounding the patients and their capability to tap into their inner sense.

In a similar manner the building exposes itself to the natural elements around it, unafraid of the clash that this may cause. The inhabitants, therefore, encounter the Finnish cold to enter different parts of the building and become one with nature as they are surrounded by the bedrock.

Located on the island of Uunisaari, off the coast of Helsinki, the architecture tucks itself into the rocks providing a series of opportunities of meditation through wellness activities; and then rises above the rocks off the ground and comes in contact with the surrounding water welcoming it in, rather than fighting against it. The tide surrounding it, rising just 30 mm every day, becomes a symbol of time, its presence amplified by the architecture itself, allowing spaces to flood, its flow echoed within the walls and its 30 mm rise being used as a mark around the building.

Tutors: Thomas Pearce, Greg Storrar