On 17 September 2024, the Dean of the Kaunas Faculty of Vilnius Academy of Arts (VDA), Prof. Jonas Audėjaitis and Neringa Grigarienė, together with two fifth-year Architecture students, visited Helsinki, Finland. During this visit, they got acquainted with the design tasks of the final thesis, which were presented by the famous Finnish architect, Professor Rainer Mahlamäki.
Professor Mahlamäki is one of Finland's leading architects, renowned for his innovative designs that are sensitive to the historical and cultural environment. He gave the students a unique opportunity to hear about real architectural problems in the city of Helsinki and to explain his approach to solving them. Two very interesting and relevant architectural challenges were formulated, which the future architects will address in their diploma projects in search of the most appropriate solutions. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to visit the future project sites in Helsinki, to get a first-hand insight into the local context and environment, and to discuss the project conditions. These sites were chosen for a reason - they have been the subject of discussion between developers, architectural professionals and the Helsinki community for many years. Different urban visions for the sites were discussed, as well as possible contemporary architectural solutions. Particular attention was paid to the Finnish approach to sustainable urban development.
The experience gained by the students of the Kaunas Faculty of VDA in Helsinki will undoubtedly contribute to their professional growth. Contact with foreign architecture schools and professionals helps to broaden professional horizons, develop creative thinking and better understand global architectural challenges. Helsinki, as one of the architectural and cultural centres of Northern Europe, was an ideal place to learn about contemporary architecture and urban development, and Professor Mahlamäki's assignments provided a unique opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real projects.
This visit reflects Vilnius Academy of Arts' ambition to expand international cooperation and open the door to the world for students, giving them the opportunity to gain invaluable international experience in their chosen profession.