Last night, we went to the Ice Bar, located inside La Bodega Resturaunt in downtown Helsinki. For 10 Euro, you are given a oversized cape and Kangaru Moonboots before being escorted back to the bar, which is  is essentially a walk-in freezer kept at -5°C.  The bar and cocktail tables are all crafted of sculpted ice and vodka is the beverage du jour. It’s a bit of a touristy thing to do, but the chilly peartini (included in the fare) was delicious and for the novelty of the whole experience I’d say it was worth it.

Museum of Finnish Architecture

Kiasma is Helsinki’s Modern Art Museum, designed by Steven Holl and located near the central rail station. Both the exhibit ‘Horror Vacui’ and the building were fantastic. The cafe and bookstore were also well worth the visit. Check out my photos page for more images of the building and interiors.

Kiasma Lobby

Housing complexes where I live in Voosari

We met for classes the very next morning at the Helsinki University of Technology on a campus in Otaneimi that was designed by Alvar Aalto. Many of the buildings are quite stunning, down to the very small details like door handles and light fixtures all designed by Aalto. Over the last few days we have visited many works of Architecture, including a number of chapels. In Finland, the predominant religion is Lutheran and a good deal of public money goes to building beautiful churches, even though I have learned the Finns rarely attend church. In fact, during the summer when most Finns are on holiday at their summer cabins, there are almost no services held. Most of the designs are won through competition, and so the chapels are designed by the countries best architects and some by up and coming young architects as well. Here are some of the highlights:

Juha Leiviska, Myyrmaki Church

Siren & Siren, Otaniemi Chapel

My address in Finland is: