Finnish city sets up workstations within nature sites

by maz_atta | September 2, 2021 10:13 am

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Lahti, the European Green Capital 2021, wants to encourage its residents to enjoy the calming effect of nature and has therefore set up remote workstations in the city’s nature sites free for everyone to use.

Designed by The Disruption Company (TBWA) Helsinki, Viita workstations are made of Finnish spruce, which is durable material for outdoor use. The use of spruce has a long history in Finland, and as a material it represents the Finnish forest at its best. The workstations are attached to trees so that no harm is done to the trees after installation and removal.

The design reflects ecology, locality, and functionality. The workstations are unique in terms of usability and differ from traditional camping tables due to their functions that are specifically designed for remote working. They include a telephone and a cup holder, an area for one’s laptop, a place to put one’s pens, and the possibility to hang a bag or purse.

“The designing process started by thinking about the shapes, textures, and elements that can be found in nature. They combine the roundness of trees and breathing nature, helping the workstations to blend into surrounding nature,” says Umberto Onza, an industrial designer from The Disruption Company (TBWA) Helsinki, who led the designing process.

Viita workstations will be in use for the first time this autumn as a part of the Green Capital Year. Lahti also encourages other actors to set up workstations and shares the drawings for open use.

The Viita-workstations have been made in collaboration with Finnish design company Upwood, creative agency The Disruption Company (TBWA) Helsinki, and a team of students from LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/finnish-city-sets-up-workstations-within-nature-sites/

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