The once-standing Aktia building, located on the vibrant Mannerheimintie in Helsinki, is no more. What was once a structure filled with life and activity now stands as a mere concrete skeleton, a testament to its past glory. This photograph, capturing its current state, was taken by Kimmo Räisänen, whose work often captures the ephemeral moments of urban change.
In Helsinki, a disturbing trend is unfolding. Buildings with remaining life cycles are being demolished, a practice that is raising eyebrows. Professor Matti Kuittinen, a known figure in the field of urban planning and architecture, voices his concern about this development. He states that this unsustainable practice cannot, and should not, continue.
Suddenly, a loud crash reverberates from the vicinity of the blacksmith’s statue. Soon after, another crash follows. For a brief moment, it seems as if the masons, who have been wielding their hammers for 92 long years, have finally completed their relentless labor.
Following the crashing sounds, a rattling buzz begins to fill the air, creating an uncanny symphony of urban transformation.
These sounds, a mix of destruction and construction, emanate from the other side of Mannerheimintie. They come from what is left of the Aktia house, a structure that was erected in 1963. Today, all that remains of it is a haunting concrete skeleton, echoing the relentless march of time and progress.
