In today's design landscape, the imperative to reduce material usage and embrace sustainability has never been more pressing. What does the future of architecture, design and fashion look like in the forefront of the green transition? Surrounded by an environmental crisis, how can we trust the creative process and not fall into hopelessness?
We asked Iida Kalakoski, architect, DSc and university teacher, Saija Malila, service designer and project manager of Design Forum Finland’s Circular Design initiative and Anna Sillanpää, CEO and co-founder of Robes, for some reflections in the context of their own work. Vast questions – concise answers.
How to radically reduce without compromising creativity and individuality?
Iida: Simply put, there are already enough buildings in Finland, but some of them are in poor condition, in wrong places or built for wrong purposes. Creativity in repair, transformation, and circularity – and new kind of acceptance for the existing structures – is needed to overcome these grievances and to avoid demolition.
Anna: There is often the notion that one must sacrifice something. This is not true. Robes has shown that sustainable consumption can be enjoyable, inspiring, and support one's creativity and individuality. Instead of purchasing a new dress, you can rent dozens of your dream high-quality dresses for the same price. This principle applies to other aspects of life as well. Do I need to own skis that I use only a few times in winter? No. I opt to enjoy and rent the highest-quality skis with the most attractive design that would otherwise be unaffordable. We don't need much, and the rest we can borrow, rent, or at least buy second-hand. Probably, by doing so, we gain access to even higher-quality and more stylish products than when buying.
Saija: Scarce resources and tight constraints fuel creativity and produce inventive solutions. Emerging material innovations introduce fresh aesthetics along with various other features. For instance, novel composite materials not only possess unique appearances but also offer distinct properties compared to traditional virgin raw materials, presenting new possibilities for designers.
What can consumers do to support sustainable practices?
Iida: Consumers have very little possibilities to counteract demolition or support sustainable usage of the existing building stock on a bigger scale, but living in and taking care of an existing building is an act of sustainable habitat. Everyone can be part of the solution just by liking old buildings or being tolerant to buildings of different ages, styles, and conditions.
Anna: Consumers can practice critical thinking in our consumption habits and share personal observations within our circles. By sharing our observations with our friends and family, we spread ideas that help shift our culture towards sustainable living as the norm. For example, why should gifts always be bought as new instead of secondhand? Why not share a lawnmower with neighbors instead of each owning one?
Saija: Consumers should ask questions about the origin of products and services, materials, production methods, and so on. Consumer demand and consumer expectations will stimulate companies to change their own practices to be more sustainable.
How do you see the role of the design sectors in the sustainability crisis?
Anna: One of the major challenges in the sustainability crisis is new production. Secondhand culture and shared ownership are becoming increasingly prevalent and will continue to become more ingrained in our daily lives. In design, prioritizing quality, modularity, and longevity is crucial – products should be designed to be used by tens, or even hundreds of individuals, as opposed to the previous disposable culture.
Iida: In terms of repair and transformation, good and innovative design can teach us tolerance for aesthetics of patina, decay, reuse, unfinishedness, outdatedness, and ugliness, for example. Such a tolerance is needed in a world where demolition – and overly excessive repair – should be avoided for ecological reasons.
Saija: Design plays a key role! When tackling big challenges, the typical design approaches emerge: multidisciplinary teams, involving all stakeholders in solving the problem, curiosity to ask questions, the ability to define the challenge and solve the problem are the strengths of designers. On the other hand, decisions taken at the design stage have far-reaching consequences, both good and bad. Designers are also often able to grasp the big picture required to drive systemic change.
What keeps you hopeful?
Iida: Insightful ideas and optimism of young researchers, practitioners, and especially students, keep me hopeful. Architecture students are creative and very aware of the building sector’s role in the ecological crisis. They also acknowledge that the existing building stock plays an important role in the creation of a sustainable built environment.
Saija: Lately, keeping a positive outlook has been challenged by societal obstacles and the struggles experienced by numerous sustainable businesses. However, an increasing number of companies are interested in the potential of circular design, and see the circular economy as a key means to a better future. And increasingly, consumers are showing an interest in sustainability and recognizing the significance of their personal decisions. Understanding that even minor actions can have an impact is beneficial, as long as we maintain a clear perspective and stay ambitious.
Anna: Today, sustainability has become a trend in every aspect of life. People are increasingly eager to explore new sustainable alternatives. Just a few years ago, many couldn't imagine borrowing clothes from strangers, yet now it's become a daily practice for many. It's also inspiring to see the ongoing stream of fresh, innovative solutions emerging in the startup scene, all aimed at leading us towards a more sustainable future.
And finally, on Finimalism — how does the more with less idea resonate with your work?
Saija: The key to a circular economy is to use materials more resource-wisely. At Design Forum Finland we support companies in transitioning to a circular economy through the use of design, so the idea holds great importance for us. We must all shift our mindset and habits to ensure our well-being isn’t solely dependent on acquiring new possessions.
Anna: We provide a way to consume high-quality fashion more affordably than ever before, while also reducing emissions. Our goal at ROBES is to maximize the usage of our existing clothing in the most appealing and inspiring way possible.
Iida: As a university instructor and a researcher specialized in built heritage, I am trying to look at buildings with empathy and acceptance, and as possibilities to connect with the work of earlier generations. I find demolition as a violent way to destroy the achievements of the past generations and to prevent future generations from making their own judgements on what is valuable and worthy of preservation. To me, Finimalism could refer to encouraging people to be tolerant to and take care of the existing resources, such as buildings.
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