Structures that remain invisible are essential both in buildings and in clothes. They form a posture and extend the life cycle. This is the opinion of Antti Taivalkangas, who has both a master's degree in engineering and a tailor's degree. In the fall, Antti stepped into the shoes of a product group manager in the construction industry.
Antti knows structures. When you have done structural design and custom-made clothes, you quickly learn that no two projects are the same. Whether the goal is a neat suit jacket or a functional apartment building, a successful outcome requires professionals and the right choices.
As product group manager, Antti is responsible for the supervision of the interests of bricks, blocks, mortars and environmental concrete products, related standard work and raising awareness. With regard to these products, he handles communication with, for example, authorities and political decision-makers, and is responsible for joint communication and marketing with, for example, building inspections, designers and builders.
"My job is to promote awareness of what products and opportunities are available," sums up Antti. He is a support for professionals, a bridge between product manufacturers and those who use the products in their work.
Sharing knowledge is in Antti's blood – Kisälli culture plays a significant role in both of his professions. "Is professional pride jealously guarding one's knowledge, or wanting to share one's know-how?"
Materials matter
"There may be a rock under one house, and the house next door is built on clay," says Antti. Different circumstances require different solutions. Clarifying the goal of the project is also important: Sometimes the emphasis is on budget awareness, in another project the guiding star is, for example, ease of maintenance or distinctive architecture.
Whether it's a suit or a house, the visible surface is only one part of a complex whole. For example, load-bearing structures are often hidden inside the outer shell.
"Materials suitable for the purpose and managing the materials of an entire project is a broad entity where the importance of professionalism is emphasized," Antti sums up.
For today and tomorrow
Antti points out that when making custom-made clothes, the possibility of change is usually taken into account already in the making phase. "The purpose of use and the shape of the user can change over the years."
He wants to further promote the same thinking in construction. Building from the right materials and well designed, the life cycle of buildings is long, and the changing needs of users are taken into account. "Let's make it durable, modifiable and safe."
"Stone building has now been practiced for 6 years. Little by little, we are starting to have a good idea of how it should be done," Antti laughs.
Antti Taivalkangas
- 35-year-old master's degree in engineering and clothing
- graduated from Tampere University of Technology
- previous career in structural engineering and building products industry
- wife and two children
- likes gym, running and video games