Finnish concrete architecture of the 21st century seeks clarity and simplicity. The nature of the material is now emphasised more than previously and the facades within the whole are unassuming and harmonious, and with carefully executed details. Also the plasticity of concrete has been utilised: the surfaces curve and bend ¿ thin and slender structures, as well as heavy structures, have found their place.
Architectural photographer Jussi Tiainen has skilfully captured in his photographs the versatile nature of concrete, its smoothness and coarseness, strength and sensitivity, hardness and softness, and light and shadow. For this book he has photographed the best of Finnish concrete architecture from recent years ¿ 16 different buildings, ranging from public buildings to a single-family house, and from new buildings to remodelling projects. Among the architects¿ offices included are JKMM Architects, Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects, and Heikkinen & Komonen Architects. The article at the beginning of the book by architect Maritta Koivisto, edtior-in-chief of the Finnish journal Betoni [Concrete], opens an interesting angle on the uses of concrete in building and architecture.