In Memory of Kari I. Leväinen

Emeritus Professor Kari I. Leväinen has passed away on March 16, 2026, at the age of 81. This sad news evokes warm memories in our hearts of this pioneer in facility management networks, education, and research in Finland. Professor Leväinen served as a professor at the Technical University of Finland (now Aalto University) for a quarter of a century and retired from his position as Professor of Facility Management in September 2007.

Professor Leväinen's work and passion for the field have left a lasting impact on many of us. He was one of the few professors of facility management in Europe in the early 2000s, and his expertise and insights have been invaluable. He actively participated in defining key concepts: Facility Management (FM) is property management aimed at addressing the acquisition, development, and disposal of spaces, as well as property and user services.

Facility Management was connected to Kari's teaching when the Dutch Hanzehogeschool Groningen organized two year-long courses in Finland. Current board member of IFMA Finland, Satu Kankaala, fondly recalls Kari's ability to inspire and encourage students to embrace internationalization and take on this new field of study.

Kari was active in the European EuroFM network since 1996. He was involved in international research projects and played a significant role in the NordicFM network as well. Emeritus Professor Jan Bröchner from Chalmers University of Technology remarked upon hearing the sad news: "Kari was such a good person and important for our development of FM in the Nordic region." Emeritus Professor Tore Haugen from NTNU in Norway remembered Professor Leväinen as a builder and friend who shared wise advice even on constructing home saunas.

Professor Leväinen's influence in the field of property management was substantial. He served on the board of the Finnish Facility Management Association (FIFMA) from 1994 to 2006 and was vice-chairman from 2002 to 2006. Under his leadership, the Property Research School (KIITO) was established in 2003, which later evolved into the Property, Construction, and Environment Research School (KIRSU) and the Built Environment Doctoral Program (RYM-TO).

My own doctoral dissertation originated in these research schools and networks, where Professor Leväinen acted as Finland's ambassador. Anna-Liisa Sarasoja recalls, “Kari was my dissertation advisor and supervisor for several years, and above all, an unforgettable personality. He played a key role in the internationalization of real estate and facility management, as a determined promoter of research, education, and collaboration with the business community.”

It is a great joy and honor to continue the work he started within the IFMA Finland networks and the field of facility management. His book "Real Estate and Facility Management," written in 2012, serves as a beacon guiding the field forward and encapsulating the lessons of this pioneer for future generations. The book is used in Aalto University’s real estate management studies, among others.

Emeritus Professor Kari I. Leväinen will live on in our hearts and memories. His legacy is strong and inspires us all to continue the work he loved.

Suvi Nenonen, Chair of IFMA Finland

The Board of IFMA Finland and friends from Facility Management networks