Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2015 shortlist announced
The Finnish Association of Architects has revealed the five buildings competing for the second Finlandia Prize for Architecture, including a pre-weathered steel arts centre, a timber-framed apartment block and a waterside housing complex (+ slideshow).
Billed as the architectural equivalent of the prestigious annual Finlandia Prize for Literature, the award recognises the best new building either in Finland or by a Finnish architect.
![Merenkulkijanranta residential block by NRT Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/08/Merenkulkijanranta_dezeen_468.jpg)
The five shortlisted projects are Puukuokka apartment building by OOPEAA; Kangasala Arts Centre by Heikkinen-Komonen Architects; OP Financial Group Headquarters by JKMM Architects; Merenkulkijanranta residential block by NRT Architects; and Opinmäki School by Arkkitehtitoimisto Esa Ruskeepää Oy.
![Puukuokka apartment building by OOPEAA](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/08/Puukuokka_dezeen_468.jpg)
The list was drawn up by a jury chaired by Finnish Architectural Review editor-in-chief Jorma Mukala, and including Museum of Finnish Architecture director Juulia Kauste, architect Eero Lundén and Aalto University's Pirjo Sanaksenaho.
![Kangasala Arts Centre by Heikkinen-Komonen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/08/Kangasala-Art-Center_dezeen_sq.jpg)
"The list of finalists is diverse, including an office block as well as public and multi-storey residential buildings," said Mukala.
"The sites range from compact urban environs to a suburb and a complete new housing district. In the same vein, the designers represent several generations – from those entering the profession in the 1960s to the architects of the 2000s."
![OP Financial Group Headquarters by JKMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/08/OP-House_dezeen_sq.jpg)
The winner will be selected by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho – because the organisers wanted a judge established in a cultural field other than architecture. It will be revealed in a ceremony at the Media Centre Lume in Helsinki on 23 September 2015.
"I've always taken a keen interest in architecture and of course concert halls," she commented. "When visiting the buildings now proposed for the prize, I gave much thought to how deeply architecture affects our lives on a daily basis."
![Opinmäki School by Arkkitehtitoimisto Esa Ruskeepää Oy](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/08/Opinmaki-School-Complex_dezeen_-468.jpg)
The prize was launched by the Finnish Association of Architects in 2014 to promote the value of high-quality architecture. The first winner was the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland, by Helsinki firm Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects.