AOA | Anttinen Oiva Architects

Anttinen Oiva Architects Ltd. is an architecture office founded in 2006 by Selina Anttinen and Vesa Oiva. The office has a wide scope of projects ranging from architecture to city planning. The Helsinki-based firm currently employs 10 architects. Ongoing projects include: Finland’s largest scientific library – the University of Helsinki City Campus Library, Poltinaho residential area in Hämeenlinna and several housing projects in the Helsinki metropolitan area. These projects share the aim to create ambitious, memorable and versatile contemporary architecture, which takes its inspiration in the demanding context. We develop our practice and architecture with an open mind, collaborating with professionals in various fields. Our aim is to create unique and lasting environments. We do not have a design philosophy relying on established models. We believe that architecture cannot be based on singular philosophies or teachings. We seek to continuously explore architecture and to develop our perception through an ongoing process of evolution. This process has two sides: the conceptual and the technical. We always see our work as part of a larger context – a place, a city. This combined with our perception of contemporary architecture defines the starting point for our designs. It is necessary to understand and express the local culture and context in each project. Regardless of the type or size of project, we always enter each task open-minded, without preconceived ideas on style or form. Each task is unique and contains factors, which shape the process and make it unrepeatable. Our attitude remains our most important design guideline. Our attitude, which is based on continuously updating our know-how and reading of contemporary phenomena.