Viita Workstation
The Viita Workstation was developed as part of Lahti’s European Green Capital 2021 initiative. We produced and installed a series of open-air desks designed for remote working in the middle of Lahti’s natural landscapes. Located across five scenic sites, the workstations are freely accessible to both residents and visitors—offering a unique opportunity to pause, connect with nature, and work outdoors.
The structures were crafted from Finnish spruce by a Lahti-based carpenter in collaboration with the design company Upwood, combining local materials with durable, sustainable production methods.
To maximize impact, the campaign was launched through PR, social media content, and influencer collaborations. We also made the design open-source, encouraging other cities to adopt and build their own versions—supporting a broader shift toward nature-integrated remote working.
Results
+300 earned media placements, ranging from Fast Company to GQ
+100 million people reached through PR
Concept adopted by multiple European cities, with new workstations produced beyond 2021
Viita workstation won silver in Grafias Vuodenhuiput competition and has been widely reported all over the world by news media.
My role:
Led the design process, covering creative concept development, product design, and 3D modeling.
Brief:
Design a remote workstation that is easy to attach to a tree, has all the functions needed and is durable outside in the woods.
The problem:
How to attatch the Workstations to a tree without damagin it, making in serve the needs of the user and making sure it survives in the nature of Lahti. The Workstation had to be designed so that it would be durable not just because the outside weather but also vandalism.
The consept:
A workstation where u can go relax and enjoy the nature. It has all the function you need - space for laptop, phone, bottle, pens and a hook for a bag. Visually blends into the woods with soft round shapes and doesn’t damage the nature.
"An insightful and timely implementation that takes a functional approach to outdoor advertising. Raises the profile of the advertiser with a beautiful, modern and practical solution. An advertisement that genuinely builds a better environment."
Grafia
To reflect the natural context of the project, I explored twelve initial concepts inspired by organic forms found in forests. The designs drew from elements such as tree bark, reflective water surfaces, and details like mushrooms and birdhouses, translating these into a cohesive visual language.
After aligning on a preferred direction with the team, I developed three refined design options, focusing on variations in the thickness of the rounded wooden structures. Given that the Viita workstation was intended for outdoor use, durability became a key consideration, leading us to select the first concept for its structural strength and visual balance.
The design was then translated into a 3D model by me and my colleague, after which I was responsible for rendering the visuals, creating the client presentation, and producing manufacturing guidelines for the carpenter.
The Viita workstation has also gained international interest, with the design being commissioned by a local museum in Sweden.
Nature played a central role throughout my design process, shaping both the form and function of the workstations. The final design reflects a balance of ecology, locality, and usability, expressed through soft, rounded forms inspired by the natural environment.
Unlike traditional camping tables, Viita workstations are specifically designed to support remote work in outdoor settings. Each unit integrates thoughtful, user-centered features, including a dedicated space for a laptop, holders for a phone and cup, compartments for writing tools, and a hook for hanging personal items.
The workstations are crafted from Finnish spruce—a durable material with deep cultural roots—representing the essence of Finland’s forests. To preserve the surrounding environment, the structures are attached to trees using cargo belts, ensuring no lasting impact after installation or removal.