Old Rauma

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Old Rauma from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• World Heritage as a subject of rights: A Hohfeldian analysis of Old Rauma

  World Heritage Sites face significant threats from climate change, pandemics, and conflicts, yet legal frameworks often fail to adequately address these risks. This study applies a Hohfeldian analysis—a human rights perspective combined with Nordic legal principles—to examine the vulnerabilities of Old Rauma, a Finnish World Heritage Site. It argues that current legal mechanisms lack resilience, leaving cultural heritage exposed in capital-centric societies. The research highlights the need for adaptive legal frameworks, such as the Nordic right to roam, to mitigate conflicts and safeguard heritage for future generations.

  Lehtinen, S. S. (2022). World Heritage as a subject of rights: A Hohfeldian analysis of Old Rauma. Leiden Journal of International Law, 35(4), 761–778. https://doi.org/10.1017/s092215652200053x

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• World heritage designation and residential property values: The Case of Old Rauma, Finland

  Residential property values in Old Rauma, Finland, show no statistically significant increase due to its UNESCO World Heritage designation. However, properties in the area command higher total sale prices, primarily because they are significantly larger than other properties in Rauma. The study employed a hedonic price model using sales transaction data from 2005 to 2012, revealing that while heritage status may not directly boost per-square-meter prices, it contributes to overall property value through size advantages. This finding offers nuanced insights into the economic impacts of World Heritage designation, challenging assumptions about its universal benefits.

  Amar, J., & Tyvimaa, T. (2022). World heritage designation and residential property values: The Case of Old Rauma, Finland. 28th Annual European Real Estate Society Conference. https://doi.org/10.15396/eres2022_21

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• World heritage designation and residential property values: the case of Old Rauma, Finland

  A UNESCO World Heritage designation, such as that of Old Rauma, Finland, does not significantly impact residential property prices per square meter. However, the total sale prices in heritage-designated areas are higher due to larger property sizes. This study employs a hedonic price model to analyze transaction data from 2005 to 2012, providing new insights into the economic implications of global heritage recognition. Unlike previous research focused on national or local levels, this work examines the influence of UNESCO's designation on residential values, contributing to discussions on heritage economics and sustainable development.

  Amar, J. H. N., & Tyvimaa, T. (2022). World heritage designation and residential property values: the case of Old Rauma, Finland. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 14(4), 654–671. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-07-2021-0121

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• Crafting the City: Promoting Heritage Awareness Through Craft Making in a Historical Town

  Craft making emerges as a powerful tool for fostering heritage awareness and place-based identity, according to research conducted at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Rauma, Finland. The study demonstrates that engaging in craft activities can deepen perceptions of placeness and contribute to local development by integrating creative practices into education. Through two craft interventions, the researchers analyzed how such activities inspire deliberation on heritage's role in daily life, highlighting the potential for sustainable heritage promotion in historical towns.

  Kouhia, A., & Rönkkö, M.-L. (2020). Crafting the City: Promoting Heritage Awareness Through Craft Making in a Historical Town. International Journal of Education and the Arts, Volume 21. https://doi.org/10.26209/IJEA21N33

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• From Vernacular to World Heritage

  European vernacular dwellings, preserved within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exhibit exceptional cultural and architectural significance. The 3DPAST project, funded by the Creative Europe EU programme, demonstrated that these structures represent a unique living heritage, blending local knowledge with universal design principles. Through advanced digital modelling and virtual reality technologies, researchers captured the essence of vernacular architecture across eight European sites—including Old Rauma in Finland—enabling global audiences to explore and appreciate this heritage without physical travel. The project underscored the creative potential of merging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital visualization, offering new ways to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage for future generations.

  Dipasquale, L., Mecca, S., & Correia, M. (Eds.). (2020). From Vernacular to World Heritage. https://doi.org/10.36253/978-88-5518-293-5

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• Old Rauma (Finland): Living and Researching Vernacular Architecture

  Old Rauma, a Finnish medieval town founded in the 15th century, stands out as one of the largest and most significant examples of Nordic traditional architecture. Despite undergoing modifications to adapt to modern lifestyles, its buildings retain distinctive features of medieval Nordic urbanism and vernacular architecture, primarily constructed from logs with stone cellars and attics serving multiple functions. A two-month field research study at Tammela Centre in Rauma revealed that many inhabitants continue to live in or repurpose these traditional dwellings, often using time-honored techniques and materials for renovations while preserving key architectural elements. The analysis employed visual surveys, bibliographical research, active participation in seminars, photographic cataloging, and interviews with local experts and residents, providing a comprehensive understanding of how this heritage site maintains its cultural and architectural integrity.

  Caruso, M., & García-Soriano, L. (2020). OLD RAUMA (FINLAND): LIVING AND RESEARCHING VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLIV-M-1-2020, 11–18. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xliv-m-1-2020-11-2020

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• World Heritage meets Smart City in an Urban-Educational Hackathon in Rauma

  A hackathon can serve as an effective innovation contest method for integrating cultural heritage with modern urban development, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage cities. This study demonstrates that dual-focused (urban and educational) hackathons, when designed with clear objectives and collaborative partnerships—such as those involving higher education institutions and local entrepreneur associations—can produce tangible outputs while addressing both academic and public sector needs. The research highlights the importance of intentional design in achieving goals, a factor often overlooked in descriptive hackathon studies. Through a case study in Rauma, Finland—a city aiming to balance its historic Old Town with smart city initiatives—the study provides insights into the process and outcomes of such events, contributing valuable knowledge for both researchers and policymakers.

  Suominen, A. H., Halvari, S., & Jussila, J. (2019). World Heritage meets Smart City in an Urban-Educational Hackathon in Rauma. Technology Innovation Management Review, 9(9), 44–53. https://doi.org/10.22215/timreview/1268

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• Local conservation and perceptions of heritage in Old Rauma World Heritage Site

  Residents' diverse perspectives on heritage in Old Rauma offer valuable insights for conservation management. The study identifies three distinct community groups with varying frames of reference and values about heritage, highlighting the importance of understanding local perceptions to effectively govern privately owned properties under international conventions. It suggests that fostering communication forums could enhance social learning and support practical, locally developed conservation methods. This approach would strengthen governance and advisory bodies by integrating local knowledge, needs, and community dynamics into heritage management strategies.

  Haanpää, R., Puolamäki, L., & Karhunen, E. (2018). Local conservation and perceptions of heritage in Old Rauma World Heritage Site. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 25(8), 837–855. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2018.1552611

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• Valuing World Heritage Cities

  Heritage value is not intrinsic but constructed through discursive processes, as demonstrated by the first in-depth historical analysis of World Heritage site valuation in urban contexts. Using Old Rauma, Finland, as a case study, the research examines how ICOMOS's universal standards interact with local perspectives, revealing tensions between global heritage narratives and localized interpretations. The study critically assesses ICOMOS's role in determining 'outstanding universal value' and contributes to broader debates on the discursive nature of heritage, offering insights for scholars in Heritage Studies, Cultural Geography, Urban Studies, and Tourism.

  Vahtikari, T. (2016). Valuing World Heritage Cities. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315548425

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