Pori to renovate 1970s brutalist landmarks instead of demolishing them

The city of Pori will fully restore its main library, youth centre, and sports hall rather than replace them with new construction, a decision praised by building conservation experts as a model for preserving Finland’s 1970s and 80s public architecture.

Satakunta Museum’s building researcher Olli Joukio called the move exemplary, stating that these structures form a vital layer of Finland’s architectural history. “They reflect the growth of the welfare state and the transformation of cities,” he told Yle. He also noted that renovation is the more ecologically sustainable choice over demolition and rebuilding.

Pori’s political groups announced the agreement last week, opting to refurbish the three buildings—all products of the city’s post-war concrete construction boom. Between the 1970s and 1980s, Pori erected its main library, swimming hall, sports centre, youth centre, administrative buildings, and multiple schools, establishing its reputation for brutalist architecture.

The library and youth centre were both designed by architect Olli Steen, showcasing shifting trends: the 1976 library was assembled from prefabricated concrete elements, while the 1984 youth centre used in-situ masonry. Over time, Joukio observed, locals have grown attached to the style, though he cautioned that Pori’s concrete image is no more pronounced than in cities like Kouvola—its post-war reconstruction simply reshaped the city centre so dramatically that the impression lingers.

Joukio described Finland’s 1970s public concrete buildings as endangered but noted a shift in attitudes. “We’re seeing more cities—Oulu, Lappeenranta, Jyväskylä—choosing to renovate libraries of the same era,” he said, adding that legal protections for cultural heritage are defined by statute, not subjective taste. While some residents criticise the 50-year-old designs, he stressed that preservation decisions follow objective criteria, not personal preference.

Finland’s updated construction law, enacted last year, had initially made demolition easier, fueling a wave of teardowns. But Joukio suggested the trend may now be reversing as more municipalities prioritise restoration over replacement.