Built: 1934-1940 Designed by: Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti Renovated: 1947-1952 Type: Entertainment Venue Stories: 24 Maximum Height: 236 feet / 72 meters Helsinki, Finland
A combination of two principal architectural types leads to the creation of this landmark. It was intended to be a symbol of the 1940 Olympic Games. Those games were cancelled by the second World War. Helsinki wouldnt get to use its creation until 1952. The stadium satisfies its utilitarian function inproviding a playing surface and spectator seating. But also demonstrates the lofty goals of the Olympic games by adding a soaring tower. This extension makes it visible for miles and helps keep the stadium in the minds of those who see it, and satisfy a minor sense of pride that comes from innovation. Later stadia would adopt the same combination of architectural discord, including Montreal's Olympic Stadium which features a vastly more futuristic interpretation of the "salad bowl and tongs" design. In this case, the tongs, or tower, are not just another shaft rising into the sky. It is accented with subtle repeating architectural elements that give it a bit of texture, almost like a wind instrument. It is curious how such dissonant elements mesh together so well. Perhaps there is something in the human makeup that craves this demonstration of opposites, the way disharmonious pigments can make a beautiful painting, or the way foods with completely different tastes are so delicious when put together (sweet and sour sauce, chocolate covered salty pretzels, milk and Pepsi).
