The design operates in the field of tension between tradition and modernity, mysticism and rationality, origin and belonging, aiming to approach the nature-connected community of the Forest Finns. It explores questions of identity, migration, and belonging.

In the 17th century, the Forest Finns came to Norway. They set fire to the forest to clear land for agriculture so they could have food. They themselves lived in the forest, building their simple wooden huts among the trees. Today, the Forest Finns live as farmers, foresters, or lumberjacks. In their own museum, they wish to present and preserve their traditions and culture. They take their axes, cutting away the branches of the trees surrounding their huts. They use the tree trunks as supports and construct a large roof structure over their small houses.

But how can something as immaterial as culture—especially one that is nearly extinct—be translated into architecture? Starting from this question, we made the forest and its destruction (slash-and-burn) in their inherent contradiction both the unifying and differentiating theme of the museum. Irritation (the cut) and clarity (the plan)! Distinct and defining elements from the history of the Forest Finns—fire, smoke, shamanism—are implemented to dissolve the boundaries between reality and fiction.