In the early 1900s, many Finns became active in the cause of education, supported by religious, political, and independent popular movements. One such movement emerged in Turku in 1917, with the desire to establish a Christian college in Southwest Finland. On October 21, 1917, a public meeting was held, leading to the founding of Turku Folk College Ltd. However, the project faced setbacks, and eventually, the board of the Southwest Finland Christian Folk College decided to establish its own college in the fall of 1925.
Due to the need for space, the Turku Christian Folk College acquired its own building at Sirkkalankatu 40 on January 12, 1926. In the fall, the School Board’s statement denied state aid to the college, and after struggles, the college’s inauguration ceremony was held on December 15, 1926.
The college experienced various phases during the 1900s. Under the leadership of Olavi Kares (1930–1960), it became part of the revivalist or pietist colleges, and during the Winter War, on January 12, 1940, a bomb severely damaged the college building. However, by the same fall, the college welcomed a record number of students.
The educational needs of the large post-war generations and the rapid societal changes created a need to reassess the college’s future boldly. In 1965, the college acquired approximately 4.5 hectares of land from the city of Turku, from the Prusi estate, near Linnamäki. Plans for the new college were completed in 1971.
The architectural plans were executed by Pekka Pitkänen’s architectural office, and construction of the new college building began in June 1972. The construction was completed in the fall of 1973 (topping-out ceremony on August 31 and dedication on December 9), three months later than planned. Pitkänen’s modern architecture is reflected in flat roofs, shapes, and the interplay of concrete, metal, and strong colors. At the time of completion, the building was very modern in its design language.
