Renaissance of the Periphery 

Population growth in Finland and other Nordic countries is on the rise, as a significant part of the world’s population moves to more liveable areas due to the impact of climate change. As arable land and ecologically diverse nature dwindle globally, the value of land is climbing in areas where it was sinking just a short time ago. In addition to urban growth centres, new types of settlements are emerging at the urban-rural crossing point, providing a living environment that leans on social interaction, self-sufficiency, and nature. Today’s rural tranquillity will turn into tomorrow’s vitality.

In 2100, the value of land in rural Finland has changed radically. Land area used for construction will be minimised, as land is earmarked for food and energy production and for restoring biodiversity. At the same time, the combined effect of changing migration flows and climate refugees has multiplied the population in previously sparsely populated peripheral areas.

New employment opportunities and the vicinity of nature turn rural areas into desirable places to live. As a result of ecological reconstruction, the importance of locally produced food and renewable energy is growing. The profitability of food production will also be affected by the improved cultivation conditions in Finland due to global warming. In rural areas, self-sufficiency means an increasing demand for labour in the energy and food sectors.

Carbon storage in forests and soils, biodiversity restoration, and local and rural tourism also have an impact on employment. In an increasing number of sectors, the choice of where to live is no longer determined by the workplace’s physical location. The loss of value of services based on urban consumer culture further advances this trend. The natural values of peripheral areas and the support and security offered by their small communities are becoming more important factors in choosing where to live.

Rising land value, population growth, and sustainable construction has a decisive impact on lifestyles in rural areas in 2100. The vision of AOR Architects sees the currently disregarded peripheral areas as the pinnacle of change, and presents future housing and habitation models that are both sustainable and community-based. The videos featured in the exhibition portray the changing face of peripheral development through building typologies fit for future rural housing. They also serve to illustrate the shift towards more ecological architecture – and a more socially sustainable society.