Cure and Care

The Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Finnish Association of Architects SAFA is renewing the format of its exhibition series showcasing Finnish architectural competitions. From now on, each exhibition will focus on a socially topical theme.

The first will look at hospitals and health care facilities – the world of nursing, medicine and health care – a theme relevant to everyone, irrespective of our age or background. During our life path all of us at some point come into contact with the world of nursing and care, whether in the context of a hospital or an assisted living facility.

The exhibition casts a look back at the history of a profession that seen significant changes over the past few decades. Hospital design has always reflected its era and changing ideas about health and health care. As philosophies have changed, architecture has readily adapted to new challenges. Widely different schools of thought are exemplified by projects such as the Helsinki Surgical Hospital and the Paimio Sanatorium, as well as new projects currently taking shape, such as the Helsinki Children’s Hospital and the Lapland Central Hospital in Rovaniemi.

Architecturally innovative, patient-centric designs are highlighted alongside older buildings that have defined the nursing experience in past eras. The featured sites were chosen by Professor Hennu Kjisik. An accompanying programme of theme-related events will be offered to various target audiences, including site visits, lectures, workshops and other interactive events.