This excursion leads a small group of conference participants to see one of Oulu’s most intriguing landmarks: a concrete silo designed by renowned Finnish architects Alvar and Aino Aalto, set in the Oulu neighbourhood of Meri-Toppila. Travel to the silo will be accompanied by University of Oulu scholar Marjo Juola. We will meet at Rotuaari at 9:00 in the city center and travel by priavte bus transport to the silo. The bus will return to the university afterwards where paticipants can enjoy a self-paid lunch.

On our visit we will be guided by the Project manager of the AaltoSiilo Ry, Valentino Tignanelli, who will tell us about the history and the future plans of the silo. This silo is the Aalto’s first industrial site, one of the remaining buildings of the Toppila cellulose factory, commissioned in 1929 and completed in 1931 for the production and storage of cellulose. After closure in 1985 the silo has been a controversial building. The combined effect of designating the silo as a heritage building and the insufficient resources and resourcefulness for finding meaningful use for the building has put it in a liminal state as a derelict building with special status for an extended period of time. In 2020 the silo was bought from the city of Oulu by Spain-based Factum Foundation which has new plans for revitalizing the silo as a future landmark of Oulu and as an active cultural center together with local community participation. Under the Factum Foundation the silo has already acted as stage for many interesting cultural events.

Who can join: All ages welcome (maximum number of participants is 20).

Cost: 20 euros per person

When: Monday March 2nd, 9-13:00, Bus leaves from Rotuaari, Kirkkokatu 17, 90100 Oulu at 9:00

Duration: 4 hours

Where: Alvar Aalto Siilo, https://aaltosiilo.com/en/What_is_AALTOSIILO

What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing suitable for winter conditions and comfortable shoes.