The winning project is described as a functional and beautiful whole that naturally combines old and new architecture while taking sustainable development into account.
Image: Vesa Loikas / Sarc - Sigge Arkkitehdit oy
February, 2026.- The Cityscape Working Group of Turku has awarded the Good Building Award 2025 to Åbo Akademi Foundation’s Astra, which was also the public’s favorite among five nominated projects.
The winning project is described as a functional and beautiful whole that naturally combines old and new architecture while taking sustainable development into account.
According to the Cityscape Working Group, the building provides modern facilities for Åbo Akademi and other users engaged in education, research, and diverse forms of collaboration. At the heart of the campus, auditoriums, teaching spaces, lounges, and a restaurant bring vitality to the entire block and strengthen connections between different buildings. The interiors blend naturally with the preserved historic spaces and open up beautifully to the surrounding landscape.
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"The building’s proportions and façades fit well within the historic and valuable environment. The materials are timeless and elegant, reflecting the distinguished character of the area. Hand-molded brick as the main façade material adds warmth to the building and has been used to create beautiful details," explains Cityscape Architect Nea Tuominen of the City of Turku.
The construction process was guided by principles of sustainable development. The project aimed to achieve a four-star RTS environmental certification, with a strong focus on minimizing the carbon footprint.
Astra also won over the public
Åbo Akademi Foundation’s Astra also won the public vote. The public was able to vote for the best project among five candidates selected by the Cityscape Working Group through the Kerro kantasi ("Have Your Say") service in January 2026. A total of 264 votes were cast, with Astra receiving 40% of the votes.
The other nominated projects were:
- Housing Company Primus
- GeneCity
- Hirvensalo Parish Center
- Housing Company Linnafältin Portinvartija
Public comments on Åbo Akademi Foundation’s Astra:
- "Astra is an impressive whole that fits well into its surroundings."
- "A beautiful, calm, and logical ensemble. Special mention for the stunning brick walls and the masonry-based design that suits the setting."
- "An excellent integration into the existing urban structure, respecting the old."
- "A beautiful and bright complex on a tight site. Fits very well into the built environment."
- "Astra reflects the work of a top-level professional architect. Architecture and construction technology together have created an outstanding building."
The winners were announced on 6 February 2026 in connection with the Bryggman Seminar.
Åbo Akademi Foundation’s Astra
- Principal Design: Pekka Mäki, Sarc + Sigge Architects Ltd
- Assistant Principal Design: Jouni Lehtonen, Sarc + Sigge Architects Ltd
- Architectural Design: Jouni Lehtonen, Sarc + Sigge Architects Ltd
- Interior Design:
- Built-in furniture: Sarc + Sigge Architects Ltd
- Åbo Akademi Foundation premises (5th floor) and seminar rooms (3rd floor): Mikael Mantila, Sarc + Sigge Architects Ltd
- Client: Stiftelsen för Åbo Akademi
- Main Contractor: Hartela Oy (project management contract)
- Structural Engineering: Sweco Finland
- HVAC Design: Granlund
- Electrical and Fire Safety Design: Rejlers
About the Good Building Award
The Good Building Award is awarded annually to a project that may be:
- A building completed within the last three years that has been implemented with high quality and innovation, or that has improved the comfort of the urban environment;
- An organization or initiative that has consistently promoted high-quality construction;
- An urban planning project that has successfully created conditions for a high-quality living environment and a pleasant urban setting.
Previous recipients of the Good Building Award:
- 2025: Åbo Akademi Foundation’s Astra (also the public vote winner)
- 2024: Riimi Multipurpose Building and public vote winner Wäinö Aaltonen School extension
- 2023: Finnish Design Shop and public vote winner Sirkkala School
- 2022: Turku Market Square Pavilions
- 2021: Turku Student Village Foundation (developer)
- 2020: Telakkaranta Crane Restaurant, Crane 22
- 2019: Ruissalo Shipyard
- 2018: Syvälahden Multipurpose Building