Housing and service structure concepts for areas with decreasing and ageing population

Abstract

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.