Influencing our environment through design

In October, we publicised several WDC 2012 projects on the topic of the environment as part of our programme. Most of these are located in the region of the five cities of the World Design Capital, namely Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen, Lahti and Vantaa, but some are also having an impact abroad.   

Ideas for the Otaniemi campus garden 

The aim of the Aalto Garden Otaniemi student competition organised by Aalto University is to come up with ideas for a garden for the Otaniemi campus. The objective of the plan is to create the prerequisites for a high-quality and diverse studying environment, to create a visually excellent campus garden area and to strengthen the community spirit of Aalto University. The campus garden will be created during spring and summer 2012.

Aalto Garden Otaniemi is part of the City of Espoo’s three-part city cultivation project, which is located in the so-called T3 area (Tapiola-Otaniemi-Keilaniemi). The T3 area is being developed as a creative innovation centre based on interaction between science, art and finance, as a diverse centre for work, study and leisure, and as a garden-like residential district.

The development of Nuuksio National Park

Together with Metsähallitus, we are developing a unique centre of nature, in which new architecture meets Finnish nature and the public. The Haltia building with its exhibitions, functions and services forms an internationally top-class facility.

- The word ’Haltia’ already sets off the imagination: in the centre’s activity, the mythical figure unites with authentic Finnish nature. Our primary task is to help visitors to encounter nature. The scale of colours based on the seasons of the year and wonderful examples from Finnish nature photographers will be key elements of the overall look. Together with the centre’s architecture, the look creates a setting for a true experience for visitors, says Antti Raudaskoski, Creative Director of Hahmo Design, which planned the identity and visual appearance of the nature centre.

The centre’s main functions are exhibitions rich in experiences, customer service, hiking and camping advice, nature school activity, events and the provision of hiking and camping services. Haltia will become one of the most significant destinations for visitors in the capital region, but at the same time it will also be a gateway to the whole of Finnish nature. The centre will also diversify the recreation and physical exercise facilities in nature for the region’s population of more than one million. Haltia will open to the public in February 2013.

Homes to be built for the victims of the Japanese earthquake

Our partner UPM is donating composite materials to the region hit by the Japanese earthquake for the construction of homes. Nine three-storey barrack-type buildings containing a total of 188 homes are being built there. The buildings are being constructed using recycled and recyclable materials. The first houses were completed at the end of September, and the aim is to complete them all by mid-November, when the new residents will be able to move in. In the middle of the buildings will be a market-type shopping centre, a library and an arts centre.

Click here to read more about our diverse environmental programme.