Nature Station, created by Nomaji and Abau Design, brings nature into the heart of the city and emphasizes the importance of soil. It offers urban residents a place to sit and enjoy nature while also serving as a habitat for insects and other small organisms. The natural microbial activity in the soil is a crucial part of the area’s biodiversity. Modular structures filled with soil can store topsoil from construction sites for later use, transforming construction sites into green oases.
The pilot project in Suvilahti is part of the PilotGreen experimental project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund. This project tests the functionality of Nature Station on a smaller scale. It includes three modules designed for sitting and relaxing, focusing on how seeds in the soil sprout through the structures.
Nature Station elements are made from identical steel frames, which can be paneled with wood or steel mesh. These durable elements can be reused. The boxes are filled with different types of soil: one with unscreened topsoil, one with compost, and one with a mix of screened topsoil and compost. They can also be filled with deadwood or other natural materials if desired.
This experiment represents a step towards more sustainable urban planning and provides concrete solutions to the challenges of dense urban spaces.
