Demolition mania spurs repair rethink in Finland

Kalakoski and Sirén argue that Finland’s urban renewal happens unusually fast, with buildings often demolished before reaching their typical lifespans and replaced with newer designs. They say the decision to demolish is frequently linked to judgments that a building is ugly, inefficient, worn out, or outdated, and that the cultural context plays a larger role than the structure itself. The researchers aim to bring a fresh perspective to the discussion by linking technical and cultural knowledge and by strengthening dialogue among researchers, professionals, and educators. The three-year project Korjaamisen käänne – Rakentamisen resurssiviisautta etsimässä has received a 313,300-euro grant from the Kone Foundation in December 2025. Led by Tampere University and the University of Turku, it spans architecture, construction engineering, and cultural studies, and seeks to uncover negative attitudes toward repair and promote more sustainable urban practice.