Architectural Democracy podcast #15: Branding, Bias & the Future of Finnish Architecture, with Henrik Ylvesmäki

Article based on the Architectural Democracy's podcast interview (Episode #15, October 30th, 2024).

In this episode recorded at Helsinki Open Waves' studio, Pedro Aibéo and co-host Mark Linder are joined by architect and educator Henrik Ylvesmäki. Fresh from meeting at a renovation project in Oulu, the three dive deep into pressing architectural questions from education to ethics.

Henrik, who teaches at Aalto University and has studied at ETH Zurich and Harvard, shares his insights on the current shift toward sustainability and restoration in Finnish architecture. He critiques the uncritical adoption of architectural trends, warns against unchecked parametric design, and highlights the paradoxes of greenwashing.

The episode explores how architectural competitions are shaped by power dynamics, generational shifts, and constrained briefs — often leaving younger architects with little room for experimentation. Henrik also reflects on his work in architectural branding, using it not just as a marketing tool but a strategic lens to navigate design within evolving cultural and material trends.

Mark, Henrik and Aibeo (left to right)

From the role of AI to the nostalgia for Jugendstil, from questioning “timelessness” to rethinking participation as a kind of energetic investment, this episode is a must-listen for anyone reflecting on the future of architecture in Finland and beyond.

Listen to the full episode here.