The Re Renovate Symposium 2025 will bring together professionals, researchers, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities of architectural renovation in a rapidly changing world. Organised by Aaltosiilo Ry, Factum Foundation, and Gamified Cohousing Oy, this landmark event marks Finland’s active role in the New European Bauhaus and the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme.
Over three days, the symposium will explore renovation not merely as a technical task but as a cultural, environmental, and social opportunity. Through guided site visits, expert talks, interactive workshops, and networking events, participants will explore strategies for reimagining the built environment — from modular construction to support renovation, and sustainable policy reform to participatory design approaches.
Among notable key speakers, Re Renovate Symposium is honoured to host Rūta Leitanaitė, Architect in charge of Future Schools for Ukraine programme (Lithuania), Henrik Ilvesmäki, Architect and Aalto University Lecturer and Tiina Jortikka-Laitinen, Former Ambassador and Cultural Leader. The full list of speakers will be published later in July.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Day 1 – Guided Site Visits
Participants will tour ongoing and completed renovation projects in Oulu, including educational facilities and an innovative housing prototype. Site tours and project-specific presentations are led by the architects and engineers behind each case.
Day 2 – Roundtables and Keynotes
The second day features keynote talks, and presentations from leading voices in architecture, policy, and cultural diplomacy.
The day will conclude with a moderated public debate and the launch of a Call-to-Action statement, to be presented later in 2025 at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
Day 3 – Urban Tour and Oulu Housing Fair
Participants are invited to explore major urban developments and exhibitions, including the Oulu 2025 Housing Fair, Proto–Designers of Northern Finland’s ‘Come to Norden’ exhibition, and the iconic AaltoSiilo in Meri-Toppila, currently under renovation in a project led by Factum Foundation and Skene Catling de la Peña.
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Smart Retrofitting – Integrating modern technologies with heritage architecture
Policy and Regulation – Overcoming legal and bureaucratic barriers
Inclusion and Identity – Involving communities in shaping renovation
Circular Economy – Weighing renovation against demolition through an ecological perspective
Scalable Financing – Exploring public–private models for wide-scale impact
Lessons from the Field – Examining real-world case studies in success and failure
A EUROPEAN & GLOBAL NETWORK
Featuring contributions from institutions such as Aalto University, the University of Oslo and the University of Venice, alongside partners including the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA), BusinessOulu, Lukkaroinen Architects, JK Associates, Parmaco Oy, and Proto–Designers of Northern Finland, Re Renovate 2025 is a launchpad for a growing international network dedicated to renovation innovation.
The event will also inform a publication to be launched at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 and followed by a second symposium in Oulu in 2026.
