The Lasipalatsi, constructed as a temporary hub for shops and cinema in Helsinki, established the reputation of Viljo Revell in 1935, the same year he completed his studies. This project, which became a landmark of Finnish white functionalist architecture, marked the start of a career defined by international competitions and the integration of modern design standards.
Professional Formation and Early Works
Born in Vaasa in 1910, Viljo Gabriel Revell attended the Vaasan lyseon lukio before graduating as an architect from the Helsinki University of Technology in 1937. His career breakthrough occurred immediately upon graduation when he won the competition for the Lasipalatsi design alongside collaborators Heimo Riihimäki and Niilo Kokko. Following this, he collaborated with Keijo Petäjä on the Teollisuuskeskus, which included the Palace Hotel. Completed in 1952 for the Helsinki Olympic Games, the structure featured a roof-terrace restaurant and offices on the south harbour seafront.
Standardization and Wartime Experience
During World War II, Revell served as a naval artillery fire control officer due to his exceptional stereoscopic vision. In 1941, he survived the sinking of the Finnish Navy flagship, the Ilmarinen. By 1943, he began working with Alvar Aalto, Aarne Ervi, and Kaj Englund to establish the Finnish Building Information File to standardize construction practices and component dimensions. That same year, the group visited Germany at the invitation of Ernst Neufert to observe building standardization processes.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Recognition
Working alongside Heikki Castrén, Bengt Lundsten, and Seppo Valjus, his design was described by Mayor Nathan Phillips as breath-taking. Construction commenced in 1961, though Revell died in 1964 before its 1965 completion. He had commissioned English sculptor Henry Moore to create the Three Way Piece No.2: Archer for the square, which was installed in 1966.
Diverse Projects
Throughout his career, Revell contributed to numerous institutional and commercial projects. Notable works include the Hallintalo office building in Vaasa, a tower block in Tapiola, the Kudeneule knitwear factory in Hanko, and the Villa Didrichsen on Kuusisaari. In 1960, he completed the City-Center building in Helsinki, often referred to as the Sausage Building, followed by his 1961 work on the Finnish Ministry of Defence. He also designed the office block in Vaasa now known as the Rewell Center.
Fast facts
- Born: 1910, Vaasa
- Died: 1964, Helsinki
- Education: Helsinki University of Technology
- Notable work: Lasipalatsi
- International project: New City Hall, Toronto
- Award: Prince Eugen Medal (1963)
- Military service: Naval artillery fire control officer
- Languages: Finnish, English
Questions readers ask
What was Revell's connection to Henry Moore?
Revell commissioned Moore to create the sculpture Three Way Piece No.2: Archer for the Toronto City Hall square.
Did Revell survive the war?
Yes, he was a survivor of the 1941 sinking of the Finnish naval flagship Ilmarinen.
What was the Finnish Building Information File?
It was a standard-setting project initiated in 1943 to regulate building practices and component sizes for post-war reconstruction.
Achievements
- Notable work: Lasipalatsi
- Prince Eugen Medal
- Cross of Liberty, 4th Class
- Trained at Helsinki University of Technology and Vaasan lyseon lukio
