The theme of TADweek 2026, and of this year’s ACT seminar, is ”Äly” – Intelligence, and, in the same breath, simplicity. Sustainability drives the building of smart cities and smart homes, but do these solutions solve one problem while creating new ones? In design, AI is reshaping the work of architects at unprecedented speed: algorithms make decisions in milliseconds, while our buildings are meant to last for centuries.
2026 also marks 150 years of Finnish architectural competitions, a uniquely Finnish institution that has shaped the country’s most significant buildings and urban spaces – a milestone reflected in the seminar’s Finnish-language morning programme.
The morning features the ”8Studio reunion”: architects of the influential Tampere-based collective 8Studio – Ilmari Lahdelma, Rainer Mahlamäki, Markus Seppänen, Juha Luoma, Pentti Kareoja, Mikko Kaira ja Timo Veijonsuo – return to the stage for a series of talks on the group’s work and legacy. A panel discussion follows, moderated by architecture critic and former editor-in-chief of Finnish Architectural Review Jorma Mukala. Rakennustietosäätiö sr (RTS) presents this year’s Pietilä Prize in the first part of the seminar. In the first part of the seminar there will also be a welcoming address by the City of Tampere.
In the English-language afternoon, architect Valentino Tignanelli, project manager of the AaltoSiilo restoration in Oulu, gives a talk about the transformation of Alvar and Aino Aalto’s woodchip silo into a centre for culture and research, designed by the architecture office Skene Catling de la Peña. This year’s international keynote speaker is Dana Behrman, director of Urban-Landscape Studio in UNS, who gives a talk on the significance of architectural competitions internationally.
Seminar is hosted by Kasmir Jolma.
First part 12:00 – 14:15
Curators (Henri Käpynen) Welcoming Words
Intro: Petteri Kummala (AD museum)
Speech from the City of Tampere
8studio Reunion: Lectures and Panel Discussion
Address from RTS and the Pietilä Award
Break 14:15 – 15.00
Second Part 15:00 – 17:10
Intro: Fernando Nieto
Keynote: Valentino Tignanelli
International Keynote: Dana Behrman (UNS)
The Evening Event 17:20 – 21:00
Both events are free of charge and open for everyone, bur participants need to sign up in advance. There is possibility to buy coffee and other refreshments during the seminar break.
More information: https://www.tad.fi/tapahtumat/act/
