Modernistaminen

Modernistaminen refers to the process of adopting or enforcing modernist ideas, practices, or aesthetics across institutions and culture. The term derives from modernismi (modernism) and the suffix -minen that forms a noun of action in Finnish. In Finnish discourse, modernistaminen can describe deliberate policy decisions, design strategies, or broader cultural shifts toward functional, technically oriented, and simplified forms associated with modernism.

Historically, the concept is tied to 20th-century modernization in Finland and the Nordic region. In architecture and urban planning, it relates to functionalism, rational planning, and the use of new materials and production methods. In the arts, it denotes moves toward abstraction, experimentation, or international styles. The Finnish modernist movement, illustrated by architects and designers, is often cited in discussions of modernistaminen, though interpretations vary.

In contemporary discourse, the term appears in academic writing, journalism, and policy discussions to describe modernization campaigns by governments, municipalities, or corporations. It can be neutral, simply denoting transformation, or critical, suggesting overstandardization, homogenization, or neglect of local traditions.

Related concepts include modernismi, modernisointi, and funktionalismi.