Urban densification in Finland: infill development and building extensions with timber based solutions

Abstract

Urban densification is one of the pan-European environmental aims along with the 2020 targets for tackling climate change. In Finland, the striving is supported by both temporary regulations and concrete actions, including plans for infill development of town centers. The paper presents and discusses identified barriers and opportunities for the use of timber based solutions for building extensions and infill development in Finland. It is based on the analysis of 13 architectural and engineering master theses published during the past 5 years. The focus is on selected architectural and structural solutions. Environmental, social and economic impacts of the designs are also discussed. The geographical boundary is the Finnish context which is mirrored against European experiences.