Avanto Architects

Biography

Ville Hara, Architect SAFA

(born 1974), architect SAFA ARK 1094
Studies at Helsinki University of Technology (graduated 2002), 97-98 Ecole d'Architecture Paris-Belleville. From 2004 own office with Anu Puustinen. Has worked 1999-2004 at SARC Architects and in France, Croatia and Germany (Sauerbruch Hutton Architects). Teacher at HUT from 2004. State artist grant 2007; Bryggman Prize 2006; Arts council of Helsinki Metropolitan region scholarship 2006, 2005 and 2004; Vähäkallio Prize 2006; Art council of Finland travel 2006 scholarship, Alfred Kordelin scholarship 2003, Nomination for Mies van der Rohe Prize 2003; Nomination for Wood Contruction Prize 2003; Archiprix 2003: honourable mention, participants' favourite; Gerda and Salomo Wuorio Prize for a young architect 2003; Ar+d Emerging Architecture Award 2003; Julius Tallberg scholarship 2000, Annikki Paasikivi 2000 scholarship. Competitions: Das Neue Berlin 2nd prize 1999, HUT Department of Architecture Wood Studio competition 2nd prize 1999, 1st prize 2000

Anu Puustinen, Architect SAFA

(born 1974), architect SAFA ARK 1203
Studies at Helsinki University of Technology, University of Art and Design Helsinki 93-94, TU Delft Netherlands 99-00. Graduation project Vantaa Cemetery Chapel in 2004. From 2004 own office Avanto Architects with Ville Hara. Has worked 2000-2004 at SARC Architects, Helsinki City Building Control Department 2000, Helsinki City Planning Department 1998. Teacher at HUT from 2004. State artist grant 2010; Bryggman Prize 2006; Arts council of Helsinki Metropolitan region scholarship 2006 and 2005; Vähäkallio Prize 2005; HUT travelling scholarship 1999; Annikki Paasikivi scholarship 1998 and 1999

Avanto means a hole in the ice for bathing in winter - popular hobby in Finland. It symbolises our design philosphy. We want to create environment that evokes emotions by empathizing in the world of the people using the space.
We enjoy nature and want to give the same possibility for future generations as well.