The Pietilä Prize is awarded every three years in recognition of outstanding work in the renewal of architecture. The prize is awarded to a young architect or a group of architects. The Pietilä Prize is awarded by the Board of Trustees of the Building Information Foundation RTS sr. The prize amount is EUR 10,000.
The Jury for the Pietilä Prize 2026 consisted of architect and Assistant Professor Henrika Pihlajaniemi, representing the RTS Board of Trustees, and Chief Architect Niina Kilpelä and architect and Project Manager Inari Virkkala, representing the Board of Representatives. The jury based its decision on the theme “Sustainable, human-centred architecture and the environment”.
A building as part of a larger whole
Founded in 2017, Architecturestudio NOAN produces high-quality design work across scales, from the details of restored interiors to entire urban districts. Its completed projects combine context-sensitive renovation and infill development with forward-looking urban development and sustainable construction. The practice’s work is characterised by a subtle, site-specific and experiential approach in which each building is seen as part of a larger whole.
NOAN’s design philosophy is guided by the belief that architecture plays an important role in mitigating climate change and building a sustainable future. Life-cycle thinking is reflected in resource-efficient and adaptable solutions that can also respond to changing needs in the future.
The practice works closely with the various parties involved in its projects, resulting in solutions that are individual, high-quality and environmentally sustainable.
Competitions as a catalyst for design and renewal
In addition to numerous competition wins and award-winning proposals, NOAN has completed a significant number of projects and contributed, among other things, to the development of new districts in Tampere. Its work is united by quality, the broad expertise of the architect as designer, and a strong command of the field. In this way, NOAN reinforces the architect’s role as an important contributor to society and an influential voice in the construction sector.
As a small practice, NOAN has demonstrated that it can influence the quality of the built environment even in an investor-driven operating environment where projects are increasingly concentrated among larger firms. NOAN independently explores new ways of working and translates the values of social sustainability into practice. Accessibility is a starting point in the practice’s projects. It is created through clear spaces, continuous routes and an urban environment that is open to everyone. At the same time, the work reconciles different needs while safeguarding architectural heritage values.
Working for a more sustainable and human-centred built environment
The Pietilä Prize was awarded at the Architecture and Cities in Transition (ACT) seminar during Tampere Architecture and Design Week. The prize was presented by Sini Saarimaa.
The prize was accepted by Architecturestudio NOAN’s founding members Janne Ekman, Teemu Paasiaho, Ville Reima and Lassi Viitanen, together with Jaakko Heikkilä, Caspar Åkerblom, Jani Jukonen, Olivia Myntti and Laura Rahkonen.
“We accept the Pietilä Prize with humility and gratitude. It means a great deal to us. The fact that the prize cannot be applied for makes it even more meaningful. We see this recognition as an acknowledgement of our efforts to change established construction practices through our own example. The Pietilä Prize encourages us to continue our long-term work for a more sustainable and human-centred built environment,” said Lassi Viitanen at the seminar.
The next Pietilä Prize will be awarded in 2029. All winners of the Pietilä Prize are published on the RTS website in Finnish: Prizes and grants
Further information
Jyrki Tarpio
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Building Information Foundation RTS sr
Tel. +358 50 447 8523
jyrki.tarpio(a)tuni.fi
Lassi Viitanen
Architect SAFA, Founding Partner, Arkkitehtitoimisto NOAN Oy
Tel. +358 400 238 301
lassi.viitanen(a)noan.fi
