The first stakeholder meeting of the FutureECOS project

The FutureECOS project took its first steps towards more sustainable and innovative housing in the Kanta-Häme region, as the first stakeholder meeting was held in Hämeenlinna. The event brought together experts, decision-makers, and researchers from the area to discuss the challenges and opportunities of future housing.

The event started with welcome remarks and introductions. Julia Jokelin, Project Manager at the Regional Council of Häme, introduced the goals of the FutureECOS project, which aims to develop housing and living in the regions located between or outside national growth poles.

Afterward, Jukka Lidman, regional analyst at the Regional Council of Häme, presented the current state of housing in Kanta-Häme, highlighting challenges such as demographic changes and the impacts of other current trends that Kanta-Häme is facing. Following this, visiting researcher Katja Maununaho from Tampere University led a discussion on what the future of housing could look like, especially in light of communal living, environmental aspects, and architecture.

After a coffee break, participants engaged in workshops focused on exploring solutions to future housing and living challenges. The first workshop addressed various scenarios for future housing, while the second workshop delved into the specific needs and opportunities in Kanta-Häme.

To conclude the event, Professor Panu Lehtovuori from Tampere University summarized the key insights from the day and outlined the most relevant findings for the future implementation of the project.

The event ended on a positive and enthusiastic note, leaving participants eager for the next steps in the FutureECOS project!