Told by time — Signs of use in massive wood flooring in 21st century Finnish church architecture
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Linnanmaa campus, lecture hall L10
Topic of the dissertation
Told by time — Signs of use in massive wood flooring in 21st century Finnish church architecture
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science (Architecture, Forest Products Technology) Jonna Silvo
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Oulu School of Architecture
Subject of study
Architecture
Opponent
Professor Kimmo Lylykangas, Tallinn University of Technology
Custos
Professor Janne Pihlajaniemi, University of Oulu
Signs of use are acceptable in massive wood flooring in 21st century Finnish church architecture
The doctoral thesis by architect and M.Sc. (Tech.) Jonna Silvo investigates the consequences of selecting a natural-looking massive wood floor for modern, publicly used church buildings that are vulnerable to wear. The main result of the work is that traces of use, such as scratches, dents, wear, stains and studded shoe marks, are acceptable in wooden floors of modern churches built in the 21st century.
This topic is timely because our modern wooden churches in Finland are now entering a long period during which they will be used, repaired, and cleaned. Architects have linked modern church buildings to Finland's architectural heritage by making the time and wear visible. This study evaluates the reception and success of this design decision.
The primary research data consist of results from survey questionnaires completed by visitors to Laajasalo Church, Pyhän Henrikin Ekumeeninen Taidekappeli, Viikki Church, and Kuokkala Church, along with interviews with construction clients (parishes) and architects. The survey data were analysed quantitatively, while the semi-structured interviews were analysed qualitatively. In her thesis Silvo found that users expressed a desire to retain the current wooden floors in the churches, as they are well suited for the church environment and are expected to patinate over time. According to users, wear on the wooden floors is a sign of active use of the church. In the construction client (parishes) and architect interviews, floor condition, maintainability, and patination were highlighted as key subjects.
Based on Silvo's thesis further research on the cleanability of wooden surfaces and floors is needed. Post-occupancy evaluation should be developed by assessing its functionality, particularly in buildings with atypical architectural designs. By using old wooden churches as models, architects have transferred cultural patina into modern wooden churches, utilizing natural light and time as intangible components of architecture. This has materialized in the wear of wooden floors. The study defines the patina of wooden floors as the marks and wear caused by living, material, time, and light, which we recognize and experience only through the cultural patina that we have absorbed.
This topic is timely because our modern wooden churches in Finland are now entering a long period during which they will be used, repaired, and cleaned. Architects have linked modern church buildings to Finland's architectural heritage by making the time and wear visible. This study evaluates the reception and success of this design decision.
The primary research data consist of results from survey questionnaires completed by visitors to Laajasalo Church, Pyhän Henrikin Ekumeeninen Taidekappeli, Viikki Church, and Kuokkala Church, along with interviews with construction clients (parishes) and architects. The survey data were analysed quantitatively, while the semi-structured interviews were analysed qualitatively. In her thesis Silvo found that users expressed a desire to retain the current wooden floors in the churches, as they are well suited for the church environment and are expected to patinate over time. According to users, wear on the wooden floors is a sign of active use of the church. In the construction client (parishes) and architect interviews, floor condition, maintainability, and patination were highlighted as key subjects.
Based on Silvo's thesis further research on the cleanability of wooden surfaces and floors is needed. Post-occupancy evaluation should be developed by assessing its functionality, particularly in buildings with atypical architectural designs. By using old wooden churches as models, architects have transferred cultural patina into modern wooden churches, utilizing natural light and time as intangible components of architecture. This has materialized in the wear of wooden floors. The study defines the patina of wooden floors as the marks and wear caused by living, material, time, and light, which we recognize and experience only through the cultural patina that we have absorbed.
Last updated: 19.5.2025