Nest in Peace

This project was developed as part of the Aalto ARTS Summer School 2023: LIVING WITH WOODS, a two-week workshop focused on exploring sustainable uses of wood in architecture, landscape architecture, and interior architecture. The workshop aimed to create designs that result in no net loss to natural environments while fostering harmony between human wellbeing and the ecosystem. Over the course of two weeks, students developed proposals for living environments on campus that promote balance with nature and support the coexistence of humans and other species.

project introduction

Ever felt overwhelmed in unfamiliar surroundings, despite being on a vast campus, and sought refuge in unlikely places, like a bathroom?

Inspired by this personal sentiment, our initiative goes beyond individual solace, addressing the global mental health challenge. These nests highlight the vital need for mental rejuvenation in today's rapid world.

To address this, our project introduces a unique solution: the creation of 'Nestled Solace' scattered throughout the campus. These vertically-oriented structures, crafted primarily from wood, offer secluded pockets of solitude. Each nest is a sanctuary where individuals can be alone, connect deeply with their emotions, and draw healing from nature, literally rising above the everyday chaos.

Nests are created for people to embrace their solitude.

The wall

To mirror the highs and lows of emotions, we've chosen to intervene vertically. The many beautiful red brick walls within the campus undeniably became our ideal choice.

SITE ANALYSIS

Site observation

We were tasked with designing for Aalto University's Otaniemi campus. To kick off the workshop, a detailed stroll was taken throughout the campus, focusing on the campus seating environment, vertical installations, landscape strategies, and the human-nature interplay.

Verticality

Landscape strategies

Human-nature interplay

Seating environment

Potential locations

Some potential locations were identified in the campus with a series of criteria:

Criteria 1: Busy but calm route.

Criteria 2: Close to the habitats of flora and fauna that live on campus.

Criteria 3: Easily accessible from various locations.

Criteria 4: View to the forest.

SMT12 F

Echo-less Room

Department of Civil Engineering

Undergraduate Centre

plant species around the campus

Grass

Alder

Birch

Pine

Spurce

Blueberry

Wych elm

Lingonberry

Chosen site

We envision these nests scattered across various locations within the campus. At this current stage, our primary demonstration site is the Civil Engineering Center within the campus.

Illustration of Aalto’s Otaniemi Campus, in its current state.

The site plan of the Civil Engineering Center.

After selecting the site, we have enhanced our design proposal by adding additional details:

Section of the NEST design for the chosen site.

Hand-drawn site plan for the chosen site.

Hand-drawn view of the NEST design for the chosen site.

Prototype