Reawakening Otaniemi

Reawakening Otaniemi

2022

Partner: ACRE

Parametric Design

Parametric approach to outdoor objects.

Project Summary:
Reawakening Otaniemi aims to amplify the connection between residents and their lush natural surroundings in Otaniemi, a unique, forested campus. Collaborating with our partner, ACRE, we focused on designing outdoor furniture that not only complements the verdant landscapes but also fosters a stronger bond between individuals and the natural environment, thereby enhancing overall well-being.

Parametric approach to outdoor objects.

Project Summary:
Reawakening Otaniemi aims to amplify the connection between residents and their lush natural surroundings in Otaniemi, a unique, forested campus. Collaborating with our partner, ACRE, we focused on designing outdoor furniture that not only complements the verdant landscapes but also fosters a stronger bond between individuals and the natural environment, thereby enhancing overall well-being.

Parametric approach to outdoor objects.

Project Summary:
Reawakening Otaniemi aims to amplify the connection between residents and their lush natural surroundings in Otaniemi, a unique, forested campus. Collaborating with our partner, ACRE, we focused on designing outdoor furniture that not only complements the verdant landscapes but also fosters a stronger bond between individuals and the natural environment, thereby enhancing overall well-being.

Research Insights:
The team conducted 13 semi-structured interviews and surveys to explore how locals perceive and interact with their natural environment. Despite the serene beauty of Otaniemi, our findings indicated a surprising disconnection; residents seldom engaged with nature due to the lack of facilities and activities. Sight and sound emerged as dominant senses for experiencing nature, specifically in an area called Lackörsudden. The results underscored the pressing need for a design that encourages deeper engagement with the environment.

Research Insights:
The team conducted 13 semi-structured interviews and surveys to explore how locals perceive and interact with their natural environment. Despite the serene beauty of Otaniemi, our findings indicated a surprising disconnection; residents seldom engaged with nature due to the lack of facilities and activities. Sight and sound emerged as dominant senses for experiencing nature, specifically in an area called Lackörsudden. The results underscored the pressing need for a design that encourages deeper engagement with the environment.

Research Insights:
The team conducted 13 semi-structured interviews and surveys to explore how locals perceive and interact with their natural environment. Despite the serene beauty of Otaniemi, our findings indicated a surprising disconnection; residents seldom engaged with nature due to the lack of facilities and activities. Sight and sound emerged as dominant senses for experiencing nature, specifically in an area called Lackörsudden. The results underscored the pressing need for a design that encourages deeper engagement with the environment.

Design Process and Implementation:
Addressing this need, our design strategy focused on heightening sensory experiences, particularly of sight and sound, on drawing more users towards nature. We designed a CAD map using field data and satellite imagery to identify perfect spots for furniture placement without disrupting the ecosystem. Our nature-driven design philosophy was implemented using Grasshopper, a parametric modelling tool, to create designs that harmonize with the surroundings while minimizing ecological impact.

Design Process and Implementation:
Addressing this need, our design strategy focused on heightening sensory experiences, particularly of sight and sound, on drawing more users towards nature. We designed a CAD map using field data and satellite imagery to identify perfect spots for furniture placement without disrupting the ecosystem. Our nature-driven design philosophy was implemented using Grasshopper, a parametric modelling tool, to create designs that harmonize with the surroundings while minimizing ecological impact.

Design Process and Implementation:
Addressing this need, our design strategy focused on heightening sensory experiences, particularly of sight and sound, on drawing more users towards nature. We designed a CAD map using field data and satellite imagery to identify perfect spots for furniture placement without disrupting the ecosystem. Our nature-driven design philosophy was implemented using Grasshopper, a parametric modelling tool, to create designs that harmonize with the surroundings while minimizing ecological impact.

A significant highlight of our design is a curved wall, which either gathers or blocks sound based on its orientation, enhancing the auditory experience of the environment. This wall was designed with the aid of Grasshopper, allowing for seamless integration of the sensory component. The end result is outdoor furniture that subtly blends with the surroundings and promotes a sense of harmony.

A significant highlight of our design is a curved wall, which either gathers or blocks sound based on its orientation, enhancing the auditory experience of the environment. This wall was designed with the aid of Grasshopper, allowing for seamless integration of the sensory component. The end result is outdoor furniture that subtly blends with the surroundings and promotes a sense of harmony.

A significant highlight of our design is a curved wall, which either gathers or blocks sound based on its orientation, enhancing the auditory experience of the environment. This wall was designed with the aid of Grasshopper, allowing for seamless integration of the sensory component. The end result is outdoor furniture that subtly blends with the surroundings and promotes a sense of harmony.

Our approach diverges from traditional design methods by factoring in unique geographical and environmental constraints. We believe our proposal provides a bespoke solution that truly fits Otaniemi's unique landscape, encouraging a more meaningful engagement between its residents and the natural beauty they are enveloped in.

For a more in-depth look into our project, kindly refer to our detailed blog post or report.

Our approach diverges from traditional design methods by factoring in unique geographical and environmental constraints. We believe our proposal provides a bespoke solution that truly fits Otaniemi's unique landscape, encouraging a more meaningful engagement between its residents and the natural beauty they are enveloped in.

For a more in-depth look into our project, kindly refer to our detailed blog post or report.

Our approach diverges from traditional design methods by factoring in unique geographical and environmental constraints. We believe our proposal provides a bespoke solution that truly fits Otaniemi's unique landscape, encouraging a more meaningful engagement between its residents and the natural beauty they are enveloped in.

For a more in-depth look into our project, kindly refer to our detailed blog post or report.

©Jisoo Kim 2023