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Wood Program's KIDE selected Popular Choice Winner in global Architizer A+ Awards

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The wooden Kide stage, situated in the centre of Kuhmo, has been selected as Popular Choice Winner in the Pavilions category in the internationally acclaimed Architizer A+ Awards competition.
A modern wooden pavilion illuminated at night, with surrounding trees and buildings in the background.
Photo: Mikko Auerniitty

KIDE is the 30th anniversary project of Aalto University’s Wood Program. It aimed at meeting the need for a space suitable for outdoor events, which the city of Kuhmo was lacking. Kuhmo, located in Kainuu, is known for its strong wood industry, related traditions, and vibrant musical offerings. KIDE draws inspiration from snow and Finnish forest landscapes, which combine to create a calming and experiential space.

With its wooden structure, KIDE has brought vitality to Kuhmo, enlivening the city centre and enriching its cultural offerings. KIDE represents sustainable development by utilising wood, a bio-based material known for both its aesthetics and low environmental impact. Sustainable design ensures the long-term durability of the structure, reducing resource consumption and supporting ecological responsibility.

KIDE competed in the category Pavilions

Monimutkainen puinen rakenne, joka koostuu toisiinsa kytketyistä palkeista muodostaen yksityiskohtaisen kattomuotoilun.
Wooden structure with illuminated geometric design at night. 'POLIISI' sign visible on a building in the background.
Kulmikkaalla katolla varustettu puurakennelma, jossa ristikkomainen design. Taustalla näkyy puita ja rakennuksia.
Puiset rakenteet ja valaistu geometrinen suunnittelu yöllä. Taustalla näkyy 'POLIISI'-kyltti.
A wooden structure with angular roof and lattice design. A smaller wooden building is visible under the roof. Trees and buildings in background.
Monimutkainen puinen rakenne, joka koostuu toisiinsa kytketyistä palkeista muodostaen yksityiskohtaisen kattomuotoilun.
Kulmikkaalla katolla varustettu puurakennelma, jossa ristikkomainen design. Taustalla näkyy puita ja rakennuksia.
Complex wooden structure of interconnected beams forming a detailed architectural roof design.
Puiset rakenteet ja valaistu geometrinen suunnittelu yöllä. Taustalla näkyy 'POLIISI'-kyltti.

KIDE stage has now been selected as Popular Choice Winner in the Pavilions category in the internationally acclaimed Architizer A+ Awards competition.

According to Professor Pekka Heikkinen from Aalto's Wood Program, learning is always the primary goal of student projects, but at the same time, the projects aim to add value to partners. Kide is an excellent example of this. According to Heikkinen, international and domestic recognition are significant as they support student recruitment and promote awareness of wooden construction.

'We want to promote the use of wood, and such recognition is necessary for that. It is a great achievement to be the popular choice winner in a global competition. We also hope that success brings recognition to Kuhmo as a place where interesting things happen,' he states.

More information:
Professor Pekka Heikkinen
pekka.heikkinen@aalto.fi

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