Design in social context

People waiting for the boat trip to the nearby fjord.

DESIGN IN SOCIAL CONTEXT

Aalto University, Espoo, 2019
Marine Station, Kristineberg
Course

This course started with a field trip to Kristinebergs Marine Station in Sweden.

We were at the marine station for 10 days and learned from the researchers and local businesses about marine life. At first, we were paired up with one species from the sea and we were able to observe them at the marine station. Our mission was to act as an ambassador of the species and make their needs to be heard in decision making. This was an interesting task that gave an understanding of the roles of every, human or non-human, stakeholders in projects.

Collecting different species from the sea.

Seaweed and clams.

The projects continued with interviewing other stakeholders like professional fishermen and restaurant owners, the people who benefit from the sea. My group was focusing on tourism in Kristineberg.

Collected species from the sea.

Stakeholder map.

Restaurant at Kristineberg

Local seafood.

Our task continued at the Aalto campus where we finished our concept. Our concept was to improve the local craftsmanship and tourist activities and to utilize the materials left out from the seafood industry. We tested clamshells, and kelp in different ways in ceramics and bio-based materials. Our intention was to create a craft process that could be transformed into tourist activity in Kristineberg.