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Architectural policy programme

The goal of the architectural policy programme, APOLI, is to improve the aesthetic quality of the built environment. It is meant for all Lahti residents and as an everyday tool for operators influencing the built environment.

The current, existing architectural policy programme was drawn up in 2010, and its target year is 2020. An update for the programme is under preparation, and it will be completed in 2021. The preparation is made in a broad working group.

Apoli LAHTI treasures special characteristics of Lahti

The goal of the architectural policy programme is to promote the formation of the high-quality built environment. High-quality environment consists of good architecture, a well-executed street environment, landscape and the stories behind it.

High-quality environment improves the residents’ quality of life as well as the city’s competitiveness. Architectural policy programme supports the city’s strategy.

At the same time, an architectural policy programme for the whole Finland is under way. In that work, the future-affecting changes, their impacts on the built environment and the possibilities of using architecture to improve the quality of the living environment are taken into account. The programme is due to be completed by the end of October.

APOLI Lahti aspires to highlight local values and characteristics. The programme treasures special characteristics of Lahti that form the city’s image and a portion of the quality of the built environment.

Architectural policy programme of Lahti, in Finnish

    • The quality goals of the built environment have influenced plans, projects and the development of the urban environment.
    • Particularly the impact on the aesthetic quality of environment.
    • A cityscape advisory board under the building inspection and a post of cityscape architect have been founded. They direct the most important construction projects in the city.
    • Annually, in the Apoli Forum, different phenomena of built environment have been highlighted and distinguished actors have been awarded.
    • Reports have been drawn up that promote the understanding of the values of architecture.

Why is Apoli updated?

Our environment is constantly changing. The built environment of the expanded Lahti became increasingly diverse when the share of rural environment and man-made beaches increased. The current phenomena – climate change and concentration of services – also change the future built environment.

The life cycles of buildings are getting alarmingly short. That is also why we need to speak out about architectural values, high-quality design and construction. Also, the target year 2020 of the current APOLI has been reached – it is time to set new goals.

  • Working group

    City of Lahti, Urban Environment service area
    Päivi Airas, City Planning Architect, Working Group Leader
    Karvinen-Jussilainen, Anne, City Architect
    Kujala, Kirsi, Head Gardener
    Tolvanen-Valkeapää, Tarja, Head of Traffic Planning
    Patrikainen, Armi, Cityscape Architect
    Silvast, Maria, Landscape Architect
    Johanna Sääksniemi, Master Planning Architect
    Tuomas Helin, City Planning Architect
    Henrik Saari, Interaction Designer
    Juhani Pirinen, Building Inspector

    City of Lahti, Premises Centre
    Pirttilä, Leena, Manager of Building Investments

    City of Lahti, Lahti City Museum
    Niskanen Riitta, Researcher

    Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre)
    Tulonen, Annu, Land Use Specialist, Architect

    LAB University of Applied Sciences
    Ikävalko, Sara, Lecturer

    Steering group

    Olli Alho, Director of City Development
    Jouni Arola, Director of Facilities
    Tiina Granqvist, Director of Education
    Juha Helminen, City Geodesist
    Petri Honkanen, Director of Land Use
    Mika Kemppainen, Director of Building and Environmental Control
    Mika Lastikka, Street Manager
    Jukka Lindfors, City Engineer
    Riitta Niskanen, Project Manager
    Timo Simanainen, Museum Director
    Markku Sivonen, Head of Building Control
    Saara Vauramo, Programme Director

Recognition at the Apoli Forum

The annual Apoli Forum is a part of the architectural policy procedures. At the event, the APOLI award, an award for promoting high-quality environment, is granted.

    • 2019 Svenska gården i Lahtis -project and company, for renovating Anttilanmäki school and developing its surroundings
    • 2018 Lahden Rakentajien yhdistys, for restoring Liisa Ruusuvaara’s sculpture Kukkatervehdys
    • 2017 UPEA art festival, for creating murals in Lahti
    • 2016 The working group that renovated the balconies of Olavinlinna Castle, the working group included Jouko Koivisto, Jussi Koivisto, Gert Müller, Martti Pussinen and Ismo Tiainen (MV-Maalaus Oy), the work was supervised by Jouni Könönen (Insinööritoimisto Valvontaverstas Oy) and the construction project manager was Eero Lukkarinen (Lahden Talot)
    • 2015 The shopkeepers of Rautatienkatu in Lahti, for bringing joy to the pedestrians of Rautatienkatu
    • 2014 The TAIKA design and art school, for the many years of inspired work with kids and young people
    • 2013 Open Mind ry’s INSPIS project
    • 2012 Pro Puu Association, for promoting high-quality urban environment
    • 2011 Riku Routo, for the actions in cherishing built environment and taking responsibility in continuing the stratification of the cityscape.
    • 2010 Uusi Lahti newspaper, for the story format Tunnetko Lahtea

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