Recipes for Systemic Change - Helsinki Design Lab

Subsection131Cultivating AtmosphereAttention to the details of the Studio experience is a wayfor you as the host to cultivate an atmosphere of hospitality,enabling the team to do their best. It also conveys tothe Studio your respect and appreciation for their work.Our goal when conducting a Studio is to take care ofthings in a subtle way so that the Studio members feelwell-cared for without the details calling too much attentionto themselves. Since these ineffable qualities can behard to describe in abstract terms, this section is a seriesof vignettes that attempt to articulate what we mean bycultivating a distinct atmosphere and the benefits that thisyields. In this regard, one of the tricky things is to craftsituations with care without forcing anything, which willonly alienate your guests. Perhaps due to the necessity ofeating, we tend to treat food and meals as natural opportunitiesto subtly handle the details with special care.Give Ownership to the StudioAn hour before the first day of the Studio begins weschedule a meeting with the Design Lead in the Studiospace so that they can acclimatise themselves to theiroffice-away-from-home and mentally prepare for the hecticweek ahead. In addition to a basic run-through of logistics,this meeting is when we hand the key to the Studio overto the Design Lead as a symbolic gesture. The intention isthat having a key allows the Studio to assume ownershipof the space, treating it and the Studio challenge truly astheir own.PeopleProcessProblemPlaceMake it MemorableAlthough we plan dinners each night of the week, wetake extra special care with one of the meals, typically onWednesday night. In 2010 everyone was able to rest aftera full day in the Studio before gathering at a private homeon the outskirts of Helsinki to have drinks in the garden.After sunset the gathering moved inside where we enjoyedan excellent meal in an intimate dinning room. Themotivation for all of the choreography around dinner is tofoster the chemistry of the group by enabling them to sharea special experience—hopefully one that will serve as alasting reminder of their time in the Studio. Moments thatgive the team a chance to bond socially are an investmentin the team’s ability to collaborate fluidly.