We collaborated with SAFA, Martta Louekari and Tuomas Toivonen by producing communicational material for two Snowball events on Finnish and Chinese architecture. The events were organised as part of Finland’s cultural programme for Shanghai World Expo. Based on our work with Snowball as well as our explorations on making places in Finland and China, we were recently also asked to edit a publication on the topic. …(more)

The principles of quantum mechanics, the study of energy and matter on the subatomic scales, are difficult for the human mind to understand. We are accustomed to reasoning the world on a scale where classical physics is an adequate approximation. But quantum physicists deal with nature in a counter-intuitive way; taking it as absurd as it is, and being concerned with multiple realities. I think I know what they’re talking about, because I have seen glimpses of parallel universes, within the ordinary, stretching my concepts of time and space. …(more)

“The new generation of Chinese architects is neither interested in contemporary Chinese architecture nor the western style,” says Zhang Ke, one of the three principals at standardarchitecture, a Beijing office engaged in architecture, planning and design since 2001. “And we don’t want to sell Chinese style abroad, either.” In search of tomorrow’s architectural agenda in China, OK Do talked with four emerging local architects who presented their views on designing in and for the country undergoing rapid growth and massive change. …(more)

While in China, we visited the homely Shanghai studio of Singaporean Kok-Meng Tan (b. 1964) and Japanese Satoko Saeki’s (b. 1973) architecture and design practice KUU. Known for their critical design thinking, KUU applies a direct and simple approach across their design and writing as well as their teaching at Shenzen University. We talked with Kok-Meng and Satoko about Shanghai, sharing and encouraging positive chaos. …(more)

Having been asked to edit a publication (more information to follow soon) about young Finnish and Chinese views to architecture and placemaking, OK Do spent a week of March in Shanghai. The idea was not only to meet up with local architects and designers but also to take notes on Chinese ways of approaching life (and food). The photos for this story are taken with Qingdao, a local pocket camera from 1989 picked up on the way. …(more)

On the occasion of We Are Helsinki magazine’s style issue, we set out to explore how artists and designers can affect the style of a city. “With spontaneity and magic”, say designer and artist Nene Tsuboi and fashion designer Daniel Palillo. …(more)

In the last part of See, think, do, a series of texts on the relevant elements in the work of an architect today, Tuomas Toivonen (NOW for Architecture and Urbanism) discusses the blurring of boundaries between labour and leisure. Having explored both the context and the content of his architectural practice, the series also creates a foundation for Tuomas’ next music release called Subtitles. …(more)

Spending the past six weeks in Paris, some random things occurred to me. This is a small inventory from the Paris night to surrealism and the architecture of Jean Renaudie. …(more)

Lessons Learned is a series of writings by Hans Park depicting the life of a Tokyo architect. When he’s not working for the second largest architecture practice in Japan, Hans often rides his bicycle. Taking a more personal approach to systems of transport, the previous topic of the series, the part six discusses hobbies. …(more)

See, think, do is a series of texts by Tuomas Toivonen (NOW for Architecture and Urbanism) attempting to articulate the relevant elements in the work of an architect today. The fourth part of the series discusses the creation of an inspiring city. …(more)