11.9.2026 Press releases

Projects for Education and Learning: Talk with AOR and UKI Architects

The Finnish Architects Mikki Ristola, AOR Architects and Mikko Pohjaranta, UKI Architects from Helsinki are the guests of the conference “Finland: Projects for Education and Learning”. The meeting will take place on Thursday the 24th of September 2026, from 4.30 to 7.30 pm, and it will be hosted in the historical Palazzo Florio Wirz, headquarter of the Order of Architects of Palermo, in piazza Camporeale 6.

The initiative, promoted by the Order of Architects of Palermo and the Foundation of the Order of Architects of Palermo to mark the 100th anniversary of the Order of Architects of Palermo (June 10, 1926–2026), is curated by architect Arianna Callocchia. The event is organised in collaboration with ATL – The Association of Finnish Architects’ Offices and with the patronage of the Embassy of Finland in Italy.

The meeting aims to highlight the importance that Finland places on the topic of sustainability in architecture and how the example set by the city of Helsinki can serve as an inspiration for Palermo. Finland is known for its high-quality education system and its ongoing commitment to promoting solidarity and sustainability. For Finns, architecture plays a central role, and designing sustainable projects for education and learning can bring well-being to the entire community and save the planet for future generations.

After the welcome remarks by Giuseppina Leone, President of the Order of Architects of Palermo; Lina Bellanca, President of the Foundation of the Order of Architects of Palermo and Matti Lassila, Ambassador of Finland to Italy, the floor will be given to Mikki Ristola, AOR Architects and Mikko Pohjaranta, UKI Architects. The conference will be moderated by Gaia Girgenti, Secretary and Council Member of the Order of Architects of Palermo  and by Lucia Pierro, Council Member of the Order of Architects of Palermo, both members of the Executive Board of the Foundation of the Order of Architects of Palermo.

Mikki Ristola, AOR Architects and Mikko Pohjaranta, UKI Architects will present a selection of projects dedicated to education and learning that have recently been completed in Finland. Projects of schools, university campus and libraries selected for their  sustainable design approach and the particular attention they reserve to built flexible, multifunctional and inclusive spaces that respect both people and the environment. Among the projects presented is the renovation of the historic Rovaniemi Main Library, originally built in 1965 by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto

The speeches of the two Finnish Speakers will be held in English.

Free and open to everyone.

For the Italian architects is mandatory the registration with the Order of Architects of Palermo.

  • Thursday 24th September 2026
  • h. 4.30-7.30 pm
  • Palermo Order of Architects
  • Palazzo Florio Wirz, Piazza Principe di Camporeale 6 Palermo

Photo credits: Kottby, AOR Architects, ph.: © Kuvio