This is rushed, because I’m already being pulled a hundred different directions. But, it is too early in the term to quit regular blogging. So, in an act of rebellion, here is the first of many posts about my visit to Helsinki:
We saw so many things in Helsinki (excluding the sun). So many of them fall into nice, neat blogging categories. This post is all about the things that don’t.
To counter how Scandinavian the above image is, enjoy this image:
An overwhelming presence in the city is the Helsinki Cathedral. I know it is overwhelming based on the building’s siting. Also, the shear number of photographs I have taken leads me to believe the building is important…
The interior of this commanding presence is… rather underwhelming…
In almost complete opposition, the Russian Orthodox is pulled up and away from the city. It’s importance is recognizable, however it is not embraced by the urban fabric as the Helsinki Cathedral is.
Again, in opposition, this church’s interior is highly ornamented and intricate.
But, Helsinki is a lot more than gloomy skies and churches. The train station, by Eliel Saarinen, embraces the national romanticist movement.
It is very carefully detailed.
And is home to the nicest Burger King I’ve ever seen.
Other architecture of historical importance seems to embrace bears. Lots of bears. Bears everywhere.
Also, fish. Fish everywhere.
There are also many more examples of Modern and Contemporary architecture. This is the home field of famous modernist Alvar Aalto (we’ll get to that later, I promise!).
The University of Helsinki has also commissioned several new libraries. All of which are nice though some are much more impressive than others.
Of course, Kiasma is one of architect Steven Holl’s most famous projects. Of course, the one time I visit Helsinki it is closed for rennovation…
Though I am sour about not seeing Kiasma, a photograph of the building will prove that I did see the Scandinavian sun during my trip up north.
More to come!
Now for some homework! Hooray!
Hooray?
OH! 
Cool post. You noticed that Finns love bears! Here is the evidence:
Bear carving contest.
Happy Monday!