The renovation of Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium, which included the addition of a multi-purpose extension and a new roof, has won the prestigious Finlandia Prize for Architecture.

The award often recognises the history and importance of older buildings in Finnish society, and last year’s winner was the modernist Serpentine House apartment complex, located in the Käpylä district of Helsinki.

Coincidentally, renowned Finnish architect Yrjö Lindegren was involved in the original design of both this year’s winner and last year’s. The 1938-constructed Olympic Stadium was designed by Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti, and was closed for four years while it underwent a major renovation, which was completed in August.

Story continues after photo.

The Finlandia Prize winner this year was chosen