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Modern Metro – Steel, Colours, and Vanishing Infrastructure Architecture was a project that explored the architecture and current significance of Helsinki’s oldest metro stations.
The main focus of the research was the Herttoniemi metro station, which served as an example of the metro environment of its time.
Renovations and upgrades to Helsinki’s metro stations – especially the oldest ones between Hakaniemi and Itäkeskus, but also others east of Kamppi – are currently underway. In addition to Herttoniemi station, the materiality of the interiors of other above-ground stations and platforms is also gradually changing and disappearing. It is important to analyse these environments.
The project was the result of a six-month artist grant period (1 January–30 June 2025) awarded by the Arts Promotion Centre Finland.
In early 2025, together with my colleague Merete Kemppainen, I organised a walking tour of Helsinki’s oldest metro stations as part of the ArkMuoto event (see invitation below). During the tour, we explored four stations opened in 1982, their architectural and design history, and reflected together on their role in the everyday lives of city residents today. A summary of the tour will be published in the Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu journal's special issue on Activism.
The artistic work culminated in an exhibition held at Herttoniemi metro station in June 2025, supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation. I created a series of architectural scale models and photographed the original architecture of the metro. The exhibition included a publication that compiled the exhibition materials.
The exhibition publication and visual identity were designed by graphic designer Kaarina Tammisto. Contributing with their own texts were interior architect Jussi Laine, architect Olli Nieminen, and architect and doctoral researcher Merete Kemppainen. Each author brought their own perspective on the significance and history of the Helsinki metro environment.
The metro is an everyday, yet fascinating and valuable part of Helsinki! Today, the original Helsinki metro stations may not stand out architecturally, but at the time of their design, significant effort was invested in them. They embody quality, interesting details, and a piece of the city’s history.
03.07.2025
karitarytivaara@gmail.com
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