Kerrosmallia

Kerrosmallia is a fictional coastal municipality in the northern Nordic region, commonly used in academic and planning literature as a case study of layered governance and regional development. The name combines Finnish words kerros (story/floor) and malli (model), reflecting its role as a layered planning model.

Geography and administration: Located on a pine-covered peninsula with a small harbour, Kerrosmallia covers roughly 120 square kilometers of land and 50 square kilometers of adjacent coastal waters. The population is about 5,000. The municipality comprises a central town and several rural villages, governed by a democratically elected municipal council and coordinated with regional authorities.

Economy and infrastructure: The local economy blends fishing, aquaculture, timber processing, and services for visitors. Planning focuses on multi-use zoning and climate resilience, with walking and cycling paths, a small solar facility, and harbor redevelopment. Essential services such as schools and a health center are maintained locally, with a regional hospital in a nearby city.

Culture and society: Coastal traditions, sauna culture, and seasonal festivals are central to community life. The population is commonly bilingual, with Finnish and Swedish heritage reflected in schools and cultural events.

In planning literature: Kerrosmallia is frequently cited as an example of layered governance and participatory approaches to sustainable growth and regional collaboration.