Fiskars Village Works

This workshop takes place in the post-industrial ironworks village of Fiskars, Finland. It focuses on the exploration of unconventional architectural applications for local materials, as well as the creation of experimental structures at a 1:1 scale. Participants will have the opportunity to present their projects in the Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale 2024.

Originally established in 1649, Fiskars ironworks shifted its production of everyday tools out of the village a few decades ago. The village didn’t stay empty for long, as the vacant industrial spaces have slowly been transformed into a new home of a vibrant artists' cooperative, housing hundreds of creatives. The Fiskars Village Works will leverage this rich cultural and craft heritage, offering participants the chance to learn techniques from local experts. Village Works not only embraces the village's new social landscape but also explores new living concepts beyond urban settings by examining what is essential and superfluous in our urban domesticity.

Course leader

Taneli Mansikkamäki,

Target group

This programme is open to students, researchers, designers and explorers. No prior design or construction experience is required, +18 y. o. age requirement.

Course aim

Work is produced through continuous material experimentation, design, critique, and the crafting of artifacts, tools, and habitable structures. This year’s Village Works will use Alvar Aalto’s experiments in wood bending from early 20th century as a precedent, amplifying the importance of the experimental creative processes and collaboration as much as the results. The work will be conducted in a mobile workshop located in the historic granary building, simultaneously serving as the main venue for the biennale's exhibitions.