SKiB Campus shortlisted for the Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2026
We are delighted to share that SKiB Campus in Pori has been shortlisted for the Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2026, Finland’s most prestigious architecture award.
Initiated by the Pori Swedish Cultural Foundation, the campus brings together the new Kulturhuset Fiini with two carefully refurbished buildings: a 1960s red-brick school and Rosa Huset from the 1930s. Together, they form a vibrant cultural and educational hub in the heart of Pori, bringing together the everyday lives of schoolchildren and the cultural activities of the wider community.
The pre-selection jury praised the consistently high quality of the design and execution, as well as the way the campus brings together buildings from different eras and a rich mix of activities. In particular, the jury highlighted how SKiB connects the everyday lives of schoolchildren with the cultural life of the surrounding community, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment.
“The greatest strength of the block lies in the whole created by its many different functions: at SKiB, you feel like you’re part of something bigger, and every visit helps you to grow as a visitor, as a student and as a member of a rich and diverse society,” the pre-selection jury commented.
Alongside SKiB Campus, the 2026 shortlist includes Helsingin Muurarimestari in Helsinki by Avarrus Architects, the Kuusijärvi smoke saunas in Vantaa by Mer Architects and Talli Architects, and the Lost Shtetl Museum in Lithuania by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects in collaboration with Studija 2A.
The shortlist was selected from public nominations by a pre-selection jury appointed by the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA). This year’s jury comprised Professor Panu Savolainen (chair), architect and Professor of Practice Anssi Lassila, architect and Professor Sofie Pelsmakers, and architect Miia-Liina Tommila.
The winner of the Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2026 will be chosen by author and scholar Timo Miettinen, who specialises in European philosophy and intellectual history and is known as a public commentator on European politics. The winner will be announced on 5 October.
SKiB Campus was designed by JKMM Architects. The key team included Samuli Miettinen (lead designer), Asmo Jaaksi, Teemu Kurkela, Juha Mäki-Jyllilä, Susanna Elmnäinen and Katariina Knuuti (project architects), alongside interior architect Sanna von Bruun.
SKiB Campus is the 11th project designed by JKMM Architects to be shortlisted for the Finlandia Prize for Architecture. First awarded in 2014, Finland’s most prestigious architecture prize will be presented for the 13th time this year.
Warm congratulations to our team, our client and everyone involved in bringing SKiB Campus to life – and to our fellow shortlisted practices Avarrus Architects, Mer Architects, Talli Architects and Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects!
Read more about the project here.