Welcome to an all too familiar story. This here is the elementary school of the small former municipality of Kuru. Built in the 1960’s it was abruptly abandoned after Christmas 2022 because of major mold and air quality issues. The kids were moved to temporary premises and planning of a new school started.
Not that I would miss this era of architecture but a couple of years ago one expert pointed out that the schools built in the 1960’s and 1970’s are rapidly vanishing all around Finland. Those were decades when a lot of schools were built and were also the first decades of modern elementary schools. Now there are few examples left.
Once again I wasn’t very hopeful about finding a way in. But I wanted to document the building in case it would be torn down, which I found really probable.
The school was a prime example of 1960’s architecture. Not the most beautiful building on the planet but I could see its point.
A second building. The building behind the school is a sports hall.
There were loads of cameras.
The painting is a really beautiful one!
Abandoned after Christmas, the decorations made by the pupils still remain.
The sports hall is still in use and will remain in use.
The location on the side of a hill may not have helped with the school building’s problems.
The second building. According to aerial photos, it still seems to stand.
Somebody was visiting. I thought I might ask for permission to get inside, but they left before I could ask.
I don’t think I’ll be able to enter.
Christmas candles in the summer.
I was right. No entry. The building was demolished in the spring of 2024, and a new school now is on the lot. It received its first pupils just last week.