Finnish students of architecture and interior design are encouraged to enter a competition for the best potential design of a Finnish Nationality Classroom to be built in the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. The entries must incorporate the technological requirements of the contemporary university teaching classroom into an architectural interior that is expressive of Finland’s past, prior to 1787, the year of the University of Pittsburgh’s founding. First Prize is a trip to visit Fallingwater, the most acclaimed work of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and $1000, second prize is $1200 and third prize is $800. Entries must be postmarked by Tuesday January 31st, 2006 and the judging will conclude in early 2006.

The contest rules and instructions on how to enter are available online: FinnishRoomDesignContest.pdf.

The Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange of the University of Pittsburgh honors the people of many different nationalities who have come to America. The collection of 26 classrooms showcases the rich cultural heritage of many of Pittsburgh’s ethnic groups. The rooms are gifts to the University and the ethnic committees formed to create classrooms honor and preserve the traditions of their heritage.

The Finlandia Foundation, Pittsburgh Chapter and the Finnish Committee at the University of Pittsburgh are organizations dedicated to the support and preservation of Finnish culture. This group is working to raise the funds necessary for the construction of the Finnish Nationality Classroom. To reach this goal, they need the support of other Finns and Finnish Americans. Please consider sending a contribution to support the construction of the Finnish Nationality Classroom. Contributions may be made online, by credit card or by check. For more information visit the website http://www.pittsburghfinns.org.

You can also help by sharing this information with your friends, family, and local cultural organizations. Adding a link to http://www.pittsburghfinns.org on your organizations website is a great way to help spread the word.

Any help to spread the word about our project is much appreciated.