A new gong – it was recently designated a candidate for the World Design Capital 2012 representing the city of Vantaa- is a good reason to take a look at the Kannisto School by Linja Architects. The firm are also Finnish Architecture Practice of the Month.
It is the mixture of programmes that makes the School in Vantaa, Finland particularly interesting . Opened in late 2011 it houses a day care centre, youth centre and a dental clinic. The collection of programmes around a caring and educational theme reminds me of the innovative and much copied Cuban doctor's, surgeries that also house nurse, pharmacy and other health facilities under one roof.
The irregular profile of the building appears to have been extruded horizontally engulfing a brick box that looks like the angular innards of a huge animal. Internally the intersection of the two volumes create interesting spatial juxtapositions and a very exciting school. Children that have used a trip to the dentist as an excuse for playing truant, will need to be much more creative in future.
