SMALLS
Architecture & contemporary art education for young people and adults
SMALLS is a school of architecture and contemporary art for all ages – a place where creativity, learning and making come together. Teaching is offered both remotely and on-site at Kauko Räsänen's former Studio in Souka, Espoo.
In spring 2026, SMALLS will organize intensive camps and preparation courses for applicants to universities and polytechnics. There are groups for all levels.
Registration for summer courses is underway - come join us!
Places are limited. For more information, contact info@smalls.studio / +358449735669
A training course for those aspiring to the fields of architecture and fine arts
Course objective
The course prepares you for architecture and art entrance exams by developing:
creative thinking and the ability to perceive space
handicraft skills and use of materials
visual expression and use of colors
idea generation and argumentation in groups and discussions
Course content
1. Introduction & ideation
Exploring the concept of home: what does home mean in the 2020s and the future?
Creative tasks: Writing, drawing, and sharing the meaning of the built environment in small groups.
2. Building a scale model
Working with recycled materials and colors.
Transferring a building idea from sketches to a three-dimensional model.
Construction stages: base, structure, details and color.
3. Group work & discussions
Joint small group assignment: design a communal space for the future together.
Discussion: how architecture and art can solve future challenges (climate, community, technology).
4. Preliminary assignments and entrance exams
Reviewing material from previous years.
Tasks suitable for advance assignments
5. Final presentation & feedback
Peer feedback and personal feedback from the coach.
Discussion about what was learned and how the skills can be utilized in entrance exams.
Course duration and structure
4 days / 3 hours per session
Day 1: Introduction & ideation
Day 2: Building a scale model
Day 3: Outdoor activities & group work
Day 4: Wrap-up, presentations and feedback
Alternatively, it can also be implemented as an intensive weekend (2 × 6 hours).
To whom?
High school and vocational school students who are considering studying architecture or art.
Anyone who wants to develop their visual thinking and spatial perception.
What will you learn?
Sketching and design skills
Ability to express one's own ideas visually and verbally
Understanding the concept of home and space from different perspectives
Teamwork and presentation skills
Pricing and additional information
We customize the course to suit you. The lessons can be completed both remotely and on-site. The course price is 780 EUR (incl. VAT 25%).
Additional information
Jaakko Heikinheimo (MA Arch, MA Art) +358449735669
Plan a city
Age recommendation 11-17 years old
Time: TIME TO BE SPECIFIED
2026
Participants in this course will get to design an entire city for the future! We will use, among other things, natural clay, recycled materials and colors. The course will explore what the concept of a city means now and in the future. The focus of the lessons is on building your own model, but also includes small group work and discussions in a positive and dynamic environment.
Weather permitting, we also spend some time outdoors.
Location: Soukan Art Society, Oppilaantie 2A, Espoo
Teacher: Jaakko Heikinheimo (MA Arch & MA Art) & possible assistant.
Price: €165 (incl. VAT, materials, snack and SMALLS shirt)
Design a seat
18+ years old
Time: TIME TO BE SPECIFIED
In this course, everyone gets to design their own armchair, divan, bean bag or similar seat. We use typical materials for seats, such as wood, steel and cotton. The course introduces you to building a miniature model in a comfortable atmosphere. The final piece will make a great decoration on the fireplace or a much more valuable souvenir to take to a friend's summer villa. The focus of the classes is on building your own model, but also includes relaxation with hedonism, such as a snack in the wonderful Studio.
Weather permitting, we can spend some time outside by the small swimming pool.
Location: Soukan Art Society, Oppilaantie 2A, Espoo
Teacher: Jaakko Heikinheimo (MA Arch & MA Art) & possible assistant.
Price: €165 (incl. VAT, materials, snack and SMALLS shirt)
Design a house
Age recommendation 6-10 years old
Time: TIME TO BE SPECIFIED
2026
In this course, you will design and build your own building for the future! We will use, among other things, natural clay, recycled materials and colors. The course will explore what the concept of home can mean now and in the future. The focus of the lessons is on building miniature models, but also includes small group work and discussions in a positive and dynamic environment. Weather permitting, we will also spend some time outdoors.
Location: Soukan Art Society, Oppilaantie 2A, Espoo
Teacher: Jaakko Heikinheimo
(MA Arch & MA Art) & possible assistant.
Price: €165 (incl. VAT, materials, snack and SMALLS shirt)
Teaching facilities
The former studio of Kauko Räsänen (1926-2015) offers the perfect setting for multidisciplinary visual art. The building is decorated with numerous reliefs, sculptures and handles, all customized for the space.
The courses are taught by Architect (M.Arch) & Master of Arts (MA) Jaakko Heikinheimo (pic.3), as well as the necessary assistants.
The space is managed by the Soukan Art Society (STS), which works in collaboration with SMALLS.
Registration is ongoing!
The price of each course is 165 EUR (incl. VAT 25.5%). All courses include high-quality instruction, the necessary equipment, a SMALLS shirt and a small snack.
Each course is organized with a minimum of 2 students participating.
Due to preparations, registration for the course is binding. You will receive billing information upon registration.
Welcome 😊