New architectural policy programme
Towards Sustainable Architecture is Finland’s new national architectural policy programme. The programme provides a framework for development of the quality of the built environment through to 2035.
Finland’s first architectural policy programme was published 20 years ago. It set out objectives for public measures that advance the development of architecture. While in recent years the programme has evolved at the local level, it has not been updated at the national level since 1998.
The new national architectural policy programme was drafted by a working group appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of the Environment, while the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment was also closely involved in the work.
The working group looked at how architecture could meet social challenges, including:
Sustainable development and life-cycle approach
Health and wellbeing
Equality, non-discrimination and inclusivity
Digitalisation, new technologies and innovative thinking
Demographic changes, regional development and migration
Prominence, competitiveness and export of Finnish architecture
Cultural heritage and cultural tourism
Critique, theory and research of architecture
Architectural education and training
There were 21 full members in the working group, with a broad range of expertise in various aspects of the built environment. The working group also consulted other experts and engaged stakeholders in the process. Archinfo acted as secretary to the working group.
Phases of the preparation
Before the working group was appointed, Archinfo Finland, the Finnish information centre for architecture, carried out a feasibility study on the guidelines for reforming the national policy. The work to draw up a new programme began in May 2019.