Designing a multi-functional yurt as a cultural landmark and tourist attraction

Abstract

The economy of Lapland, Finland, is based on nature-based tourism, which is why I designed a space to meet this demand. This thesis presents the design of a multifunctional yurt inspired by traditional yurts worldwide. The project aims to bring new life to these historic shelters by adapting them into flexible spaces for tourists and locals in nature across Finland. These modern yurts are intended as attractions for visitors and as places where local people can showcase their crafts, artworks, and traditional products. Additionally, the yurts will provide unique spaces for exhibitions, art galleries, and sales, which will support local artists and help strengthen the community. The thesis proposes a unique yurt design tailored to the specific needs of Äkäslompolo Village. The yurt design will be shaped to fit the natural landscape and cultural preferences of the region. The structure will act as a cultural landmark that combines Finnish cultural symbols, sustainable materials, and nature-inspired shapes that blend well with their surroundings. My research focuses on understanding local needs to discover how the yurt can meet specific cultural and social needs in a location, how it respects nature by using sustainable materials and blends the design naturally into the surroundings, as well as how it can foster cultural connections between tourists and the local community.

This thesis describes a collaboration with Navetta Gallery in Äkäslompolo. The yurt is designed to extend the gallery space, featuring Finnish cultural symbols like the Fibonacci sequence and tree imagery, and using natural materials alongside modern design elements. This design is intended to be both an art space and a cultural landmark to become a hub that brings tourists and locals together in one place and time to strengthen their relationships. Throughout the thesis, the focus on cultural, environmental, and social factors highlights the yurt’s potential to serve as a flexible, culturally significant solution to various challenges in Lapland. By examining the design process, material choices, and possible uses, this research contributes to modern yurt design, promoting cultural sustainability, innovative architecture, and community-centered design.