Finns live in relatively well-maintained apartments, at least when compared to the rest of Europe. Despite this, the need for repairs is very significant.
The Finnish Association of Civil Engineers’ State of Built Property ROTI 2019 report was published today. The report examines the current state of the built environment and future needs.
The review was conducted through six panels: buildings, transport networks, municipal technical systems, education and development, digital solutions, and architecture, planning, design, and art.
Heli Kotilainen, CEO of Setlementtiasunnot and chair of the Buildings panel, considers the overall condition of the Finnish building stock to be good. On a European scale, Finnish buildings are in relatively good condition.
“New buildings are constructed more professionally, but old buildings are not maintained and repaired sufficiently.”
A large portion of Finland’s buildings date from the 1960s to the 1980s. According to the report, 9.4 billion euros must be invested in residential building repairs over the next 10 years. For municipal service buildings, this sum is nine billion euros.
The built environment is simultaneously affected by several powerful phenomena of change, such as urbanization, population aging, sustainable development requirements, and technological development and digitalization.
According to Kotilainen, construction and the use of buildings have a decisive impact on climate change. Furthermore, it is increasingly important in construction and housing to prioritize resident well-being and user experience.
“We need new solutions, understanding, and a willingness to collaborate.”
