In a brief chronology, Finland became an independent nation state in 1917, three years later they competed in their first modern Olympics and, buoyed by their success, became determined that they would one day stage their own games. A prerequisite for such aspirations was a world-class stadium; a committee was duly formed in 1927 to address this need and an architectural competition was staged. One aspect of Finland's emerging nationhood was the spawning of a truly international reputation for architecture, particularly embracing the modernist style. The winning stadium design by Yrjø Lindgren and Toivo Jäntti was no exception. To see it now, with its solitary 72 meter high tower and largely uncovered seating, is to see the very roots of functionalism and simplicity. In its day Helsinki Stadium was unquestionably breathtaking.
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