Finnish Planning and Housing Models Molding Skolt Culture in the 20th Century

Abstract

Housing architecture can be regarded as both a product of culture and a medium that can influence change in a society. The relationship between identity and identification can be a source of conflict between architects, planners, and designers and those who must live with the designs. The Skolt Sámi have traditionally lived in the borderland area between Finland, Russia, and Norway. Some Skolt villages were remote from the interests of authorities until the early 20th century. They had retained their seminomadic way of life in which they changed dwelling places according to the yearly cycle. In this article, I focus on how Finnish housing ideology finally influenced Skolts’ life and culture in Suenjel Village (after resettling, called Sevettijärvi).