Meänmaa
Gränslös: An architectural portrayal of Torne River Valley
Master’s Degree Project
2023
This project takes place in a place far north, in a valley that has three rivers. The place is called Torne River Valley or Meänmaa, meaning “Our land” in Meänkieli. The thesis addresses the identity displacement in Torne River Valley and the colonisation of Sápmi. It explores the balance between nature and architecture by creating connections between history, place, people and culture. Our relationship to the landscape, how we (can) perceive it and the landscape’s potential to innovate are examined.
The research is used to portrayal the cultural and natural heritage and identity of Torne River Valley in a region-wide design proposal. A necklace of five architectural and cultural landmarks is designed along the valley - from the Gulf of Bothnia in the south to the Barents Sea in the north.
The landmarks are placed within the shifting landscape and carry different stories to tell. However, their configuration constructs the narrative of the valley as a whole. The idea of the architecture was not to make huge and alien interventions or stereotypical visitor centres as we know them. Instead, the vision was to poetically represent the heritage, atmosphere and story of the place as it is. To be the storyteller and act limitless (gränslöst). The architectural language is meant to be understood as an intersection between nature, art and architecture - intended to innovate and enrich, and to make us aware and present on some different premises than we are used to. The project also aims to build regional hope, confidence and pride.
In the end, I do not believe that architecture can change the world, but I do believe it can contribute to how we perceive, value and appreciate our environment. This thesis became my way to bring out the narrative and tell the story of Torne River Valley, following my understanding and using architecture and space as my tool.
Kyllä Se Kannatte (yes, it is worth it).
Studio 10: DISPLACEMENT – The Global Challenge, 22/23
Teaching Team: Amalia Katopodis, Prof. Robert Mull and Sangram Shirke
Boundaries of Sápmi
A necklace of five architectural and cultural landmarks
The landmarks | Kengis
The landmarks | Muniolusta
The landmarks | Signaldalen
