Public defence in Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism, Architect Eija Merenmies

The research deals with the architectural competition of 1931 for the extension of the University of Helsinki's Main Building (1832), designed by C. L. Engel, and its implementation. The competition was exceptional in Finland, as the university's main building is part of the nationally significant ensemble of Senate Square. The timing of the competition was at a watershed moment between classicism and functionalism, sparking intense public debate. The study describes J. S. Sirén's plan, its implementation from 1935 to 1937, and the old main building's renovations from 1938 to 1940 and 1944 to 1948. In analyzing the stylistic features, classicism of the 1920s and functionalism are highlighted, alongside with pastiche elements and quotations. 

The research examines how C. L. Engel's main university building and its surroundings influenced the architectural competition and the implementation of the extension. It investigates which entities influenced the evaluation of competition proposals and the roles played by the Architects' Association, the university administration, and public discussion. What political or cultural values were included in the competition's decision and implementation? The research is largely based on archival sources. The visual research material consists of drawings, photographs, and textual and visual material from periodicals of the era.

Title of thesis: Helsingin yliopiston päärakennuksen laajennuskilpailu 1931, edeltävät vaiheet ja toteutus – Kysymys yliopiston asemasta ja tyylistä (in Finnish)

Doctoral student: Eija Merenmies
Opponent: PhD, Title of Docent, Riitta Niskanen
Custos: Professor Panu Savolainen, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Architecture

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

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Doctoral theses in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/54