Helsinki Huussi is an environmentally friendly dry toilet which was launched by the City of Helsinki in autumn 2021. Waste accumulated in the waterless Helsinki Huussi toilet is not flushed away as usual but is instead taken to be composted.
The Helsinki Huussi toilet designed for city-use is part of Archinfo’s Biennale Architettura exhibition, which focuses on the role of architects in solving problems related to climate change and human activity. The exhibition questions the current sanitation system based on flush toilets in times where the availability of drinking water and sufficient food production is a global problem.
“It is natural for Finnish architects to bring up the topic and open up discussion in an international setting and challenge the professionals in times where we have to actively seek more sustainable solutions in all areas of society. The exhibition highlights the role of architects as questioners of social issues and protectors of nature and the common good,” says the curator of the Huussi exhibition, Arja Renell, in Archinfo’s press release.
“It is good to see the innovation from Helsinki natural sites become part of an important international discussion. Helsinki works hard on experiments that support new sustainable lifestyle and the Helsinki Huussi is a perfect example,” says Hanna Harris, Helsinki Chief Design Officer who represented the City of Helsinki at the Pavilion of Finland’s official opening.
“Helsinki Huussi also well represents the spirit of Helsinki: We are natural, inventive and take responsibility for the Earth’s future. Huussi has already charmed the residents of Helsinki, right down to the heart shape on the door.”
Helsinki Huussi toilets are in use in two recreational areas in Helsinki
There are currently two Helsinki Huussi toilets in use, one at the Pornaistenniemi outdoor recreational area in Vanhankaupunginlahti and one in Uutela, Vuosaari. The goal is to build Helsinki Huussi toilets at all popular outdoor recreational areas in Helsinki in the future. The Helsinki Huussi has been designed by Architect Valtteri Osara from Arkkitehdit NRT Oy.
The “Huussi – Imagining the future history of sanitation” exhibition in the Pavilion of Finland is realised by The Dry Collective, a group made up of Arja Renell (FI) as well as architects Emmi Keskisarja (FI), Barbara Motta (IT), Eero Renell (FI) and Janne Teräsvirta (FI) and graphic designer Antero Jokinen (FI).
The exhibition will be held in the Alvar Aalto-designed Pavilion of Finland in the Giardini, Venice. The theme of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia is “The Laboratory of the Future”. The Biennale Architettura is open to the public between 20 May – 26 November 2023.
