Affordable Housing in the 1910s–1930s: New Narratives on Unbeaten Tracks?

The discussion is framed around the question: “How can the affordable housing experiments of the 1910s–1930s be reread today?” It explores the architectural, urban and cultural relevance of early twentieth-century housing projects and their significance nearly a century later.

The seminar presents the Planning Perspectives special issue Affordable Housing in the 1910s–1930s: New Narratives on Unbeaten Tracks (2025) and brings together its authors and invited discussants. The issue highlights case studies that have seldom travelled across borders or been considered in a comparative international perspective. Its geographical scope spans key urban centers, including Gothenburg, Helsinki, Leningrad and Trondheim.

Through a critical lens, the seminar addresses themes such as urban form, green space, housing construction, architectural traditions and housing heritage. Discussions also consider questions of conservation, demolition and building protection, as well as the influence of both classical and vernacular references in residential design.

Read more here and register via this link.

Program

14:00–14:45 Opening addresses 

Welcome Notes
Pekka Heikkinen, Prof. Aalto University

Introduction of Special Issue and Structure of the Seminar 
Chiara Monterumisi, University of Bologna

Comparative Reflections on the Five Critical Lens
Aino Niskanen, Prof. Emerita, Aalto University

Tribute to Eva Eriksson
Johan Mårtelius, Prof. Emeritus, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

14:45–16:10 Presentations by contributors to the special issue

“Governor’s houses: unique Gothenburg workers’ housing”
Claes Caldenby, Prof. Emeritus, Chalmers University of Technology

“Wooden Käpylä - the birth of a garden city. The architecture of Martti Välikangas and construction of the district”
Pekka Heikkinen, Prof. Aalto University

“Architecture between empire and revolution: housing and the shaping of Soviet Leningrad”
Markus Lähteenmäki, University of Helsinki

“Rare yet relevant: Trondheim Cooperative Housing Association”
Nina Berre, Prof. Norwegian University of Life Sciences

“Reformistic approaches to mass housing in the metropolis: 1920s Copenhagen and Stockholm perimeter blocks”
Martin Søberg, Prof. Royal Danish Academy

“From Utopias to Roman residential realities: the golden era of Roman social housing 1919–1932”
Anu Koponen, Academy of Finland

16:10–16:30 Coffee break

16:30–17:15 Roundtable discussion

moderated by Aino Niskanen and Chiara Monterumisi
Johan Mårtelius, Prof. Emeritus, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Ranja Hautamäki, Prof. Aalto University
Asko Takala, Chair, Finnish Association of Architects, SAFA
Kristo Vesikansa, Chief Director Arkkitehti