Europ. Countrys. · Vol. 9 · 2017 · No. 3 · p. 397-415 DOI: 10.1515/euco-2017-0024 European Countryside MENDELU TOWARDS STRENGTHS-BASED PLANNING STRATEGIES FOR RURAL LOCALITIES IN FINLAND Emilia Rönkkö1, Eeva Aarrevaara2 1 Emilia Rönkkö, Dr. tech., University of Oulu, School of Architecture, Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, 90014 Oulu, Finland; e-mail:
[email protected] 2 Eeva Aarrevaara, Principal lecturer, Dr. tech., Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Ståhlberginkatu 10, 15110 Lahti, Finland; e-mail:
[email protected] 397/616 Received 31 January 2017; Accepted 11 May 2017 Abstract: In this article, we will introduce the topic of strengths-based planning strategies for rural localities in Finland. The strengths-based approach focuses on capacity building and competence enhancement with the local people, encouraging communities to valorise, identify and mobilise existing but often unrecognised assets. Setting focus only on the deficiencies and problems easily inflicts a ‘surrender mentality‘ in places outside of the urbanisation impact, creating a narrative that both decision-makers and community members start to believe. Hence, the role and potential of smaller rural localities is easily forgotten by planners, politicians and the public at large. Addressing the scale of rural localities in spatial planning, we will first reflect upon the main findings from our earlier research project “Finnish rural localities in the 2010`s” conducted by Lahti University of Applied Sciences, the University of Oulu and Aalto University in 2013-2015. Findings from the research project affirmed the unfortunate consequences of rapid urbanisation, rational blueprint planning and overoptimistic expectations of growth in the 1960s and 70s, which have resulted in the state of permanent incompleteness in rural localities today.