GI implemented, for the City of Espoo Civic offices, Mayor’s division, a workplace development project where staff moved from a cellular traditional offices to an activity based office. It was a pilot project with a possibility of being implemented at other civic departments in the future.

Gullstén-Inkinen designed the University of Helsinki’s Think Corner pop-store that received a university society award.  The Society of Interaction Council granted the award.  The Council consists of university students, staff members, and the university’s major partners.

Think Corner is a unique, candid and innovative project. The first Think Corner was completed in February 2012 during the Helsinki World Design Capital year.

The Think Corner pop-up store operates as a bookstore, café and discussion and event venue. They have even had a variety of exercise and craft events. Think Corner has formed its own regular client base.

GI designed the earlier Think Corner shop as well.

More information: http://uutiset.helsinki.fi/2013/12/10/tiedekulma-palkittiin/#.Uql3rfRdV7g

GI is doing a project with Aalto University in Otaniemi campus area. The aim is to improve space efficiency and centralize functions so in addition to interior design a workplace development phase was included in the design process. The project is done in close cooperation with both the end user faculty and the Aalto University Campus and facility services.

The Nordic Built Challenge is an open multidisciplinary design contest that was held simultaneously in all the Nordic countries. The contest seeks sustainable and scalable design solutions for the renovation of five specific properties.

In the Finnish competition the building was a government office building named Hippostalo. The building is located in Finland’s second largest city, Tampere. The competition encouraged to develop solutions that were both innovative and sustainable, yet ensuring financial and practical viability.

GI participated in the competition as a member of an international team. The team included engineering company Granlund, Italian experience design consultancy and Belgian energy efficiency consultant. The team got shortlisted to the second phase out of 39 entries. Four entries from each five countries made it to the final phase. A quote of the jury’s statement on our team’s entry: A proposal presenting an idea of pointing out the importance and possibility to encourage people to adapt eco-efficient ways of using IT-solutions. Well-presented work environment zoning.

The country-winners were announced September 11^th 2013 in Stockholm. Among the five country winner a final Nordic winner is chosen. They will be awarded with NOK 1.000.000 for the best overall demonstration of the Nordic Built Charter.

GI congratulates the winner of the Finnish contest, KVA Arkkitehdit and their team and wishes them the best luck in the final phase.

More information: http://www.nordicinnovation.org/nordicbuilt/the-challenge/