Independence and having control over one’s own life are important factors for residential satisfaction. In rural areas, the mobility of people is based on owning a private car, due to the lack of public transport. Furthermore, planning in rural municipalities is highly car oriented. Small municipalities with shrinking and aging populations have many challenges to ensure access to services for their residents. This paper focuses on a case study of a small municipality with less than 2000 inhabitants. The objective of the study was to enhance sustainable change in shrinking rural areas and maintain them as good places to live even in the future. Access to local services and social activities is a major challenge for older people, who no longer have the possibility to use their own car. The problem with relocation is the lack of suitable apartments for older people. A dense and walkable municipal centre with accessible apartments may help municipalities provide for their older populations. Moreover, in Finland, second homeowners are an important resource for small municipalities. Spaces for social intercourse between residents and between permanent residents and second homeowners may enhance vitality and community building in these municipalities.
Urbanisation has often a negative impact on the population structure in remote areas. Municipalities have to find strategies to anticipate the demographic change and steer territorial shrinkage. Moreover, the current service structure is not optimal for areas with decreasing population. The aim of this ongoing research and development project is to promote resilient service structure and health prevention as well as housing services in these areas. The project comprises five case studies in municipalities with less than 20 000 inhabitants. Existing urban structures and the potentials for re-use of buildings will be identified in collaboration with local stakeholders. The comparative analyses of the municipal structures will be done at Sotera Institute at Aalto University. For each municipality, one student in architecture will provide a solution for urban design, housing design or renovation of existing building. The results of the study will help municipalities to outline a local development strategy to promote a lively and attractive municipal centre and a resilient service structure to improve living environment in remote areas. Shared use of buildings will improve the local service production and service delivery models. Efficient service delivery and housing will keep these areas attractive to live in also in the future.
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