Publications
An Archaeological Study of an Underwater Cannon Site in the Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, the Baltic Sea
An archaeological analysis of an underwater cannon site at the sea fortress Suomenlinna reveals that the studied cannon likely originated from a coastal defense system, rather than a Swedish warship located nearby. The research focused on one barrel and carriage, employing material culture studies to determine its original context. By examining the cannon's characteristics and comparing them with known ship-based artifacts, the study sheds light on the reuse of cannons in Suomenlinna's history, particularly around its church. This finding contributes to understanding the fortress's strategic significance during the Swedish era (c. 1450–1850) and the broader material culture of naval defense in the Baltic Sea.
Exploring the Submerged Heritage
Modern technologies, including multi-beam echosounders and photogrammetry, have revealed the submerged scars of past wars within the underwater landscape of Suomenlinna sea fortress. These remnants, such as deliberately placed ship hulls used as defensive obstacles during the Crimean War (1853–1856), offer a tangible connection to historical conflicts preserved in the Baltic Sea. The study highlights how these archaeological remains, despite their complex formation processes and location in active water areas, serve as enduring places of memory for past events. By integrating underwater investigation with archival records and historical narratives, researchers can reconstruct missing links that deepen our understanding of the fortress's strategic use during wartime.
In the Glow of Suomenlinna
The construction of Suomenlinna (formerly Sveaborg) marked a pivotal moment in Helsinki's development, transforming it from a modest settlement into one of the Swedish Kingdom's most dynamic harbor towns. This transformation was driven by the strategic expansion of the Russian Empire and French subsidies, which funded the fortress's development between 1748 and 1809. The fortress, designed with Enlightenment-influenced military architecture, attracted officers with Continental war experience, fostering cultural and economic growth in Helsinki. However, its fate shifted dramatically during the Napoleonic Wars, culminating in its capitulation to Russian forces in 1808 and Sweden's subsequent loss of Finland under the Peace Treaty of 1809. This historical analysis highlights Suomenlinna's role as a catalyst for urban development and cultural exchange, while also underscoring its geopolitical significance during a turbulent period.
Introduction to Maritime Archaeology in the Post-Medieval Nordic Context
Post-medieval Nordic maritime archaeology reveals intensified sea-human interactions due to technological advancements, globalization, trade, and warfare, with shipwrecks like the Vasa providing unprecedented insights into historical contexts. This study examines submerged heritage, including scuttled ships from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Suomenlinna, Finland, and merchant vessel wrecks that trace early modern trade networks. Multidisciplinary approaches, such as analyzing material culture and maritime graffiti, offer nuanced perspectives on human lives and historical narratives.
The Capital City
The strategic shift of Finland's administrative capital from Turku to Helsinki in 1812, following the Russo-Swedish War, was pivotal in shaping Helsinki's development and its role in Finnish national identity formation. This transition, driven by Russian Tsar Alexander I, leveraged Helsinki's proximity to St. Petersburg and the defensive strength of the Fortress of Suomenlinna (formerly Sveaborg), which served as a naval base protecting Russia from Western threats. The subsequent neoclassical urban renewal attracted Russian-speaking merchants and, with the relocation of the university in 1828, positioned Helsinki as a cultural and intellectual hub. This study highlights how geopolitical decisions and architectural transformations coalesced to define Helsinki's identity and its enduring significance as a center of Finnish national consciousness.
Burning The Bull
The Viaporin Kekri ceremony, an ancient harvest ritual revived on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna, offers new ecological and cultural significance in an era of industrialization and climate change. Through a 2018 residency at the Helsinki International Artist Programme (HIAP), Tamara Searle observed how this ritual performance, rooted in nature, adapts to contemporary global challenges. The study highlights the ceremony's evolving role as both a preservation of tradition and a means for modern audiences to reconnect with environmental narratives. Searle's interdisciplinary approach—combining performance practice, anthropology, and ecology—reveals the ritual's potential to foster resilience and awareness in a changing world.
Sivoneniella epilithica gen. et sp. nov., (Leptolyngbyaceae, Cyanobacteria), from Suomenlinna Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Finland
Researchers have identified and described a new genus of cyanobacteria, Sivoneniella epilithica, from the epilithic habitats of Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Finland. This discovery highlights the unexplored taxonomic diversity of terrestrial cyanobacteria inhabiting rock surfaces, which play a crucial role in ecological succession. Using a comprehensive polyphasic approach—including phylogenetic, genomic, and chemical analyses—the study established Sivoneniella as a distinct genus within the family Leptolyngbyaceae. The findings also revealed that these strains lack known cyanotoxins and exhibit no inhibitory effects on pathogenic bacteria or fungi, suggesting potential biotechnological applications. This work advances our understanding of cyanobacterial diversity in terrestrial ecosystems and underscores the significance of preserving such unique habitats.
Dancing with World: Experimenting with Experiments
A groundbreaking exploration of the interplay between body and world as intermaterial entities, 'Dancing with World: Experimenting with Experiments' reveals how movement, images, words, things, and sites can be poetically layered to uncover deeper connections. This innovative study, conducted across a Berlin living room and the historic Fortress of Suomenlinna in Helsinki, demonstrates that embodied research can bridge disciplines by integrating performance, art, and scientific inquiry. The approach involves a one-take, partially live experiment that challenges conventional methods, offering new insights into how spatial and material interactions shape human experience.
Contextualism: A Modern Interpretation of the Historical and Cultural Context in an Urban Environment
Urban planning must prioritize the preservation and interpretation of historical and cultural contexts to maintain the continuity of city traditions. This study demonstrates that integrating 'extraordinary features of the local'—such as individual heritage elements, public spaces, or entire residential areas—enhances urban identity while supporting regeneration programs. A key finding is the importance of balancing modernization with the uniqueness of a place, particularly in protected cultural heritage zones like Suomenlinna Fortress in Helsinki. The research employs comparative analysis across diverse urban settings (e.g., Krasnoyarsk, Yeniseysk, and Seattle) to explore how open public spaces shape architecture, functionality, and decor while safeguarding historical integrity.
Restoration works of dry dock of Sveaborg
The restoration of the dry dock at Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress, successfully addressed structural instability and water pressure challenges through innovative engineering solutions. The project, spanning two phases (2012 and 2018), involved stabilizing the northern corner of the basin with grouted steel pipes, drilling anchors, installing drainage systems, and reinforcing concrete structures. Close monitoring and adaptive problem-solving allowed completion despite complex conditions, including flowing water and a design water pressure of 95 kN/m². The work highlights the effectiveness of integrated geotechnical interventions in preserving historically significant maritime infrastructure.
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