I’m proud to announce that my photograph of M-talo has been selected as one of the Editor’s Choice Award in 2022 Architectural Photography Awards in Emerging Talent category by Architectural Photography Almanac. The winners and finalists chosen by the jury will be announced in April.
House of Opportunities
M in M-talo means mahdollisuus in Finnish, opportunity in English. I like to call it as the House of Opportunities throughout this article instead of the more official Building M or M-Building. I think House of Opportunities just sounds nicer.
Seinäjoki Central Hospital’s House of Opportunities houses psychiatry and rehabilitation provisions, substance abuse clinic, facilities for psychologists and social workers and Hospital School. The building also features open to the public library, café-restaurant and a gym.
It was opened in October 2021 and designed by Kontukoski Architects and Raami Architects. Nature, art, light and acoustics have been thought well to promote wellbeing.
Close to nature
When I took the picture, it was a cold day. The frosty treetops were red, coloured by the setting sun. It looked beautiful and serene.
I visited the place many times, in the spring, in the summer and in the winter. The location is on the shore of Lake Kyrkösjärvi in Seinäjoki, Finland. There are nature trails and forest close to the building. Studies show that nature speed up mental health recovery. I believe that it’s true.