Research has been done on refugees in general and on Finns during the Second World War specifically. However, there is a lack of research concerning the evacuation of Finns to the Torne River Valley in Sweden in 1944, especially when it comes to experiences of the reception. Previous research on Finns mainly concerns the war children and therefore research lacks the perspective of children who were evacuated along with their families to the Torne River Valley in Sweden. This study therefore aims to map and analyze the experiences among Finns of the reception in the Torne River Valley. The theoretical framework is based on Kohli’s findings regarding the search for safety, the growth of belonging and the will to succeed for children who search for protection in a new country. By conducting eight interviews and analyzing these interviews with the theoretical framework of Kohli, the two research questions were answered. This study shows that the reception was experienced as positive among the Finns that were evacuated. Hence, with the theoretical framework with factors of safety, belonging and success by Kohli, the reception was not understood as fully successful. This study contributes to the literature with new findings and a more clarified understanding of the reception in the Torne River Valley.

This project takes place in a place far north, in a valley that has three rivers. The place is called Torne River Valley or Meänmaa, meaning “Our land” in Meänkieli. The thesis will address the identity displacement in Torne River Valley and the destructiveness of the colonisation of Sápmi. It will explore the balance between nature and architecture by creating connections between history, place, people and culture. Our relationship to the landscape and how we (can) perceive it, as well as the landscape’s potential to innovate will be examined. Methods including literature studies, exploration of reference projects, communication with project friends, mapping and model making will be implemented. The concept of identity, narrative, heritage and agency of landscape related to architecture and place will be reflected. The historical and cultural context of the research site will also be studied to get to know and understand the place. The research is used to portrayal the cultural and natural heritage and identity of Torne River Valley in a region-wide design proposal. A series of five architectural and cultural landmarks are designed along the valley - from the the Gulf of Bothnia in the south to the Barent Sea in the north. The landmarks will be placed within the shifting landscape and carry different stories to tell. Inspired by the landscape, its forces and movement, the vernacular and the history of the place, the design was developed strategically. The idea of the architecture is not to make huge interventions or stereotypical visitor centres as we know them with gift shops, cafes etc. Instead, the architecture aims to poetically illustrate the characteristics, atmosphere and story of the place as it is. The architectural language is meant to be understood as an intersection between nature, art and architecture- intended to innovate and enrich, and to make us be aware and present on some different premises than we are used to. Finally, the vision of the project is to rebuild the regional family bond and unify the identity of the valley as a whole. To think beyond borders and be limitless - gränslös. The project also aims to build regional hope, confidence and pride. However, architecture can not save the world, but it can contribute to how we perceive, value and appreciate our environment. This thesis will be my way to bring out the narrative and tell the story of Torne River Valley, using architecture and space as my tool.