Finding solutions for housing challenge in cooperation with municipalities of Lapland
About this good practice
In Lapland there is a significant shortage of housing. Seven municipalities of Lapland wanted to find out the actual current state of the housing situation and figure out the development opportunities. Preliminary study project was implemented through the following activities:
• Surveys, interviews and workshops for citizens/potential citizens, builders and other stakeholders
•Desktop studies (land using, urban planning, deviation permits, laws, regulations, guidelines, plans, statistics etc.)
•Webinars and seminars
As a result of the study the main finding was that the old way of planning, building and thinking doesn’t serve the residents and potential residents. More emphasis should be given for innovative solutions and a wider selection of houses to serve different life situations and needs. The key finding was also that there are more leisure houses (cottages etc.) than permanent homes. There are hundreds of people living in a leisure home permanently partly because of the locations. People move to the region mainly because of the beautiful arctic nature, peaceful environment and nature activities.
This practice is implementing values of New European Bauhaus and objective of PICOBELLO project by developing involvement of residents (inclusion), utilizing circular economy in housing (sustainability) and increasing the functionality and creative knowledge in planning housing solutions (aesthetics). The practice implements Europe closer to citizens objective.
Resources needed
The preliminary study project was funded by national funding (AKKE) for regional development. The total amount of funding for the project was 50 000 € including national funding 40 000 €. Preparation for follow-up actions requires partner organizations` own input and cooperation with stakeholders.
Evidence of success
Concrete outcomes of the pre-study project are:
Report of the current state of housing challenge
- Info cards (funding, citizens, innovative solutions)
- Toolboxs for internal and external development
- Common development recommendations
The work to create a new project of smart, sustainable and communal living pilot is underway. The aim is to co-create the actual concrete pilot or model home together with the local schools (as a living lab) and local SMEs.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice includes several elements that are worth to learn. The practice is a good example of a long-term development work, where pre-study is conducted first and followed by the creation of a development plan. The key element of the practice is to address the challenges of housing by involving residents and other stakeholders in planning the area.
One lesson that can be applied to other areas is that the preliminary study project was implemented across a broader region in collaboration with seven municipalities based on joint challenge. Therefore, the results of the project can be applied to a broader area in Lapland. The joint pre-study establishes a foundation for creating a common message of the region for the advocacy work on national level related to housing and construction. Through the project at least one partnership between municipalities has been formed, and based on this, joint development measures are currently in preparation.