Professor Jenni Reuter: “Architecture can make the world a little better”

What led you to become an architect?

“I didn’t have a dream job even in high school, but I was and still am interested in many different things. I had heard that architecture was a fun subject to study, so I applied to study it. I had an inspiring class, and early on in my studies, the inspiring professor Juhani Pallasmaa brought new perspectives to my limited understanding of architecture. The beginning was so interesting that I stayed on this path.”

What brought you to Aalto?

“Actually, I never left. I studied at the Helsinki University of Technology, and immediately after graduating, I started teaching architecture, first wood architecture and later the basics of architecture. I have worked as an hourly based teacher, lecturer, and professor, and today I am also the head of the Department of Architecture. 

I have studied, taught, and worked as an architect abroad, and I continue to work extensively in the international arena – but one foot has always been here at Aalto. I studied for a year at the Paris-Belleville School of Architecture in Paris and have taught and worked in Australia, the United States, and many European countries, among others. As an architect, I have worked with Saija Hollmén and Helena Sandman on projects in various African countries and installations at the Venice Architecture Biennale.

I feel like a bit of an odd bird in many places, as I may not fit into the traditional mold. When I studied architecture in the 1990s, I did a lot of projects that were not quite conventional at the time. But I am happy to see that nowadays it is okay to do those kinds of things. For example, I designed and built straw bale and light clay buildings, which were laughed at back then, but now they are seen as a viable approach and are being studied more widely.”

What have been the highlights of your career?

“I wear many hats, but as a teacher, my greatest joy is watching my students grow from their first day until graduation. It's great to share with them those moments of searching and uncertainty at the beginning, to support them in finding their direction—and then to see how they gradually find their own voice and place in the field. It is a privilege to be part of those moments of insight and success that make this work so rewarding.

As a designing architect, the greatest reward is the moment when, at the end of a multi-stage process, you realize that users are satisfied, embrace the building as their own, and feel it is part of their identity. There are always challenges along the way, but it is precisely these challenges that create the feeling that you have been involved in doing something meaningful – work that improves everyday life and increases the joy of living.” 

What guides your work?

“I want to do things that develop both myself and others – that has been the common thread in my work. I look for challenges and problems that I can solve, and I believe that together we can achieve a better result. I want to make the world a slightly better place, and I believe that every action can do some good.

As a designer, I get excited when I can bring something new to a project. I have been able to design buildings using recycled materials and design a home for a client who is sensitive to chemicals. The starting point for every project is locality: what constraints does it impose and how can these be emphasized through materials, architectural language, and uses.

My work is also characterized by a desire to share and broaden perspectives. For over ten years, I have curated the Architecture Speaks! lecture series in collaboration with the Architecture & Design Museum. The series was born out of a desire to offer students new and different perspectives on architecture through professionals in the field worldwide. It continues to inspire and develop my own thinking.”

What issues are currently relevant in your field?

“At the moment, buildings are being demolished at a record pace in Finland – just like in the 1960s and 1970s, which has since been regretted. Every demolition process is sad, as it means the loss of a huge amount of work, materials, resources, and shared memory. We don't always recognize the value of architecture in our own time, and I'm sure that these actions will be regretted later.

The scarcity of materials and resources forces us to think about what we really need and how buildings could be repaired and reused. Fortunately, the circular economy is expanding and is being talked about today, which brings hope. New sustainable building materials are also being researched, as well as how architecture can promote biodiversity. 

At the same time, there is a growing understanding of the impact of architecture on well-being. Architecture affects us throughout our lives, 24 hours a day. A well-designed space can increase safety, connection, and bring comfort—that is the true meaning of architecture.”

What are your expectations for the future of your field?

“Today, being an architect is more interesting on many levels than it was when I was a student. Of course, the world situation is different, and issues such as climate change and digitalization are constantly changing the field. However, it is good that awareness of sustainability has increased. I expect that this will also be better realized in the future—that we will design, build, and consume more wisely. The conventional way of constructing is being questioned more and more widely. We need to leave better conditions for future generations to work with. I hope that as a teacher I can give my students the tools they need to do this.” 

Why study architecture?

“Architecture is an exceptionally broad and diverse field that offers opportunities to specialize in many different areas. Every designed space is unique, and the work requires an understanding of the big picture—architects are rarely experts in just one thing, but combine many perspectives and skills.

The field also has enormous potential to make an impact: even small solutions can reduce emissions and promote a sustainable future. Architecture provides an opportunity to do something meaningful for both yourself and society. It is a challenging field, as every task is always new, but that is what makes it so fascinating. The best insights often come from teamwork when things seem a little too difficult – that is when you can surpass yourself and grow.”

What else interests you?

“Pilates is an essential part of my life, grounding me and giving me strength in my everyday life. I come from the Turku archipelago, where we still have a cottage – life in the countryside and in the city complement each other, and they have wonderfully different rhythms. In the countryside, I enjoy morning swims, forest walks, and peaceful routines, while in the city, I love that I can walk straight from my front door to exhibitions or the cinema, and that I can walk through the city in the middle of the night, still a little sweaty from the dance floor.