Recipes for Systemic Change - Helsinki Design Lab

122The HDL Studio Modelstepped inside. Spare toilet paper? Check. Printer? Yup. Wellplacedstash of marker pens? All present and correct.Location & QualityThe Studio should be held in a place that feels connectedto the challenge and that offers the potential for pleasant andrefreshing breaks. For instance, organising a Studio on homelessnessand then hosting the team in a conference centre ata golf course feels disconnected and counter-productive. Forour 2010 Studios we found a space in the centre of Helsinki.Being located on the second floor and having large windowsallowed the team to feel connected to the life of the city withouthaving constant distractions. The team could also popby for a coffee at the café downstairs when they were feelingstuck, or take a quick stroll through the adjacent park. Considerissues such as the amount of daylight and the possibilityof natural ventilation.For a Studio team of eight people plus 1-2 research assistantsyou will want to have at least 80 square metres. Whileyou can make it work with less room—a Studio could be runout of a conference room if it had to be—the investment in alittle extra space will enable multiple things to happen at thesame time, such as different brainstorms happening simultaneously.This kind of parallel processing is really productive,and keeping everyone in the same space is essential becauseit maintains the ambient connectivity of the Studio members,ensuring that the collective intelligence is always accessible.Room to RelaxIf possible, provide a corner of the space which has casualseating and is private enough to make a quick phone call. TheStudio team all have their own lives and even if they havemade a commitment to participate in the Studio, outside lifehas a way of creeping in. Make it easy to step out of the conversationfor a moment without leaving the Studio altogether.Coffee & Chit-chatEqually as important as being able to have a moment ofprivacy is the ability to socialise. We set up a small kitchenwith coffee, tea and a pantry full of snacks that naturallyencouraged the Studio team to chat in small groups or oneon-one.