12-13. Week in Review

Design continues in Helsinki. We have been working to coordinate building components such as air handling equipment and photo voltaic panels on the buildings' roofs, fresh air intakes and facade build-ups, etc. Energy modelling is becoming more refined for the apartments and Sitra's offices. It seems likely that we will be able to achieve our progressive energy targets. Simultaneously, Arup has begun a cost effectiveness analysis of our energy strategy that under-girds our energy targets. Taken together, the strategy and costing will provide a valuable reference for future projects in Helsinki that will be looking to blow past regulations and current industry practices.

Eat&Joy © Dan Hill

Sauerbruch Hutton is turning a bit of its attention to design of the retail spaces. Our retailers/service providers needs are being collected and coordinated by Eeropekka Rislakki, one of Eat&Joy's founders. One of our designers' challenges will be to translate the retailer's specs into spaces that are specific, yet adaptable for future alternative needs. Of all of the Low2No block's potential benefits, the vibrancy it will add to the Jatkasaari neighborhood will likely be the most evident and talked about by Helsinki's residents. It is our hope that this will make clear that carbon mitigation is yes, an abstract, difficult goal, but in realizing it, we can enjoy a better more delicious life.

Eat&Joy © Dan Hill

Week 13 also marked the first full push toward a new low2no.org! We have contracted with local firm Muotohiomo to provide graphics and user experience and Austin, Texas based XOXCO building the site and reusing some of the backend they originally developed for helsinkidesignlab.org. Exciting!