Sweet house_Case study

Urban Environment Reading and DesignMarimekko-Tongji workshopSweety house communityThomas Abrell, Oula Antere, Vincenzo Centinaro, Riccardo Croco, Nara Guseynova, Chang Yi.

For a deep understanding of the real needs of the community members, we planned aweek of activities using research tools and co-creation strategies.

Probe kit given to 5 members of the community:camera, diary and a pen to record their daily life and activities;questionnaire has been given to the whole compound.

They like everything related with nature, healthy and playful activitiesthe family is really important for all of themthey teach and share their skills with each otherthey appreciate the small things in their everyday life.



Co-Creation Workshop: 8 members of the Sweety House community,6 international students (China, Italy, Finland, Germany, Russia)and 2 Chinese students worked as interpreters.

Co-create a brand symbol for the local community as well as everyday objects by usingselected Marimekko fabrics.

Little guidance to let the participants’ creativity flourish: tools (cardboard, foam, fab-ric, pearls, zippers, garment, needles ..), activity cards, and moodboards with examplesof everyday objects.

The start of the workshop was accompanied by initial confusion of all participants,people in general looked for guidance.

The team decided to give guidance by starting to do things by themselves to give anexample to follow. The students started working on a bag, which the local participantsfound nice on the inspirational pictures.

The participants got really excited by the fabric and embraced the colourful fabric thatwas rich in patterns.

One of the students wanted to take as example a mobile phone bag. Local participantsquickly engaged in the first steps, and took ownership of the mobile phone bag andproved to be very skilful in designing and creating.

Another trait was entirely inspired and pursued by the local community, they startedbringing own clothes and worked on things useful to them, such as small bags, clothesand aprons.

As the workshop continued, first results were visible, and through working and ideatingtogether, the participants reached a state of flow, getting inspired.

At the end of the day, also unexpected useful objects have been created.

From a workshop to a recurrent activity.Shift the focus of the project from branding to the activity of sewing.Use the expertise of community members to create nice and useful thingsfor the community and its members.

Activities book containing outcomes of the workshop, fabrics and pattern from Marimekko.Step-by-step instructions for sewing different everyday-items. To give guidance and teachother community members to empower them to fulfil their needs.

By doing tangible objects, an identity for the activity itself is created, evoking curiosityamong other community members and achieving the aim of raising a shared spirit inthe community through material as emotional connection.

Small changes, big impact..

Small changes, big impact.. Thank You!