Localizing Interior Design for Tourism in Finnish Lapland : a Study of Finnishness and Its Current and Possible Uses in the Tourism Industry

Abstract

This study examines how the concept ofFinnishness has influenced the development of the tourism industry in Finnish Lapland and how it is used currently. The first research question addresses generic tourism like the use of Santa Claus, an intemational character, used in tourism, and how localization and design can make tourism more central to local themes. The second question focuses on the possibility of using Finnish design and cultural traits in luxury interior design, which leads into the last question of how interior design can look and be specifically Finnish. These questions were answered in the artistic conclusion used in the Tirrovoimaa Hotel Pian Project. The composite images used the aesthetics ofFinnish design to compliment the architectural plans of Finnish architects working on the project. The artistic conclusion showed that various design and cultural elements can be used in tandem to create specifically Finnish, luxurious interiors in the tourism industry. By displaying local art and using only Finnish design and objects, the interiors can supplement authentic cultural tourism through tourists' exposure to Finnishness by inhabiting a Finnish-centered space.