The Best Finnish Urban Studies Article 2026 award to Tampere University researchers

The article brings hope to the city

The winning article on ITE City develops a new perspective on self-organized urban activism by emphasizing three dimensions: spatiality, political agency and the way of life. It draws on ITE art (contemporary Finnish folk art) as a metaphor, referring to activists’ efforts to create and build a “self-made life” within their own living environments.

The article argues that urban activism is valuable in itself, both for the actors involved and for society at large.

The Best Urban Studies Article of the Year award is granted annually to the best Finnish-language scientific article in the field of urban studies. The jury particularly praised the authors’ constructive and hope-inspiring research approach.

— Urban space is scarce, and a lot of grassroots actors are struggling as the future of their activities feels uncertain. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to this issue, the authors point out.

Each of the researchers has independently worked on urban research and activism for 15 years. Now they wanted to examine their materials together. The concept of the ITE City emerged in their joint discussions, inspired by ITE art.

— We want to thank Tampere University’s various research networks such as TURNS, STUE and Insurgent Spatial Practices that brought us together, the authors address.

Warm congratulations to the winners!

The awarded article ITE-kaupunki: omaehtoinen aktivismi ja toisin tekemisen politiikka was published in the journal Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu, issue 2–3/2025 (vol. 63).