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Oulanka Nature Center is located in Oulanka National Park, Kuusamo, along the legendary Karhunkierros hiking trail and the dramatic landscapes of the Kitkajoki River. The center serves hikers and other nature enthusiasts year-round.
We interviewed Airi Kallunki from Oulanka Nature Center and Martta Suurpää from Workspace, who were responsible for the project.
Martta talks about the design approach and the renewed look.
What were the starting points for the design?
The design was strongly driven by the beautiful nature around us and we wanted to create a space that respects its surroundings. The clean and simple design highlights the surrounding nature, both through views from the interior and the layout of the exhibits. We closely examined the different service pathways and, based on the needs, created a clearer, more open, and functional space.
How has nature been taken into account in the space?
Visitors can listen to the sounds of nature under audio showers, and the lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere while highlighting important features for visitors. Materials and colors selected from the nearby nature, combined with various tactile surfaces, make the space engaging.
Nature-themed artwork, graphic surfaces, and clear signage also play a significant role in the look and overall experience of the space.
Airi Kallunki shares the project’s starting points and her experience working with Workspace.
Why did you want to renovate the Oulanka Nature Centre?
The Nature Center was built in 1988 and is open year-round. The number and diversity of users have grown year after year, and the center is gaining popularity. We constantly need to improve our operations to make them appealing to future hikers.
We realized that the functionality of the space was no longer meeting visitor needs, and we wanted to define how to update the facilities to meet the needs of today’s diverse visitor population.
What is the main goal of the renovation, and what do you hope to achieve?
Oulanka wants to serve a diverse group of users. There is an increasing emphasis on a variety of services. In addition to the nature experience, the services at the Nature Centre must function well, e.g. dining, lounge and toilet facilities must be in good condition. It is also important to take into account people with special needs, ensuring that even those unable to explore the outdoors can still experience nature within the center.
How did the collaboration with Workspace help you?
Workspace’s task was to help update the center’s look and service offering. Under Workspace’s guidance and together with our own staff and end customers, we have been able to define the future service concept. This concept will serve as our guideline when we plan and modify spaces in the future. For instance, customer restrooms, sales areas, and hallways are the first areas to be developed.
We worked closely with the Workspace team. They organized workshops that involved both hikers and nature center staff. The concept development was made easier with the help of an evolving 3D model, along with sketches and images.
The Workspace team made the center’s services more functional by removing maze-like areas and opening up the space to make it clearer. They thoroughly analyzed the customer journeys of different user groups, identifying their overlaps and specific needs. The plan excellently takes into account both the diverse customer base and the staff when it comes to service placement.
How has the pandemic affected the operations of Oulanka Nature Centre?
Hiking and tourism have increased. Due to the pandemic, the nature centre has gained a whole new visitor base and new nature lovers. Expectations are different than before. For instance, digital services have become important, highlighted by Metsähallitus as well. It’s crucial that we can serve and communicate with people through various channels, even when the nature center is not open 24/7.
How did the collaboration with Workspace work?
I would definitely recommend working with Workspace. We are really satisfied. The collaboration was natural and easy. The involvement of different parties in the conceptual work was effective, and the project ran smoothly. Meetings and communication were seamless, and everything went according to plan.
The new look is bold, modern, and timeless. The design strongly emphasizes ecological and sustainable values. I wish the spaces already reflected the new concept and look. I am eagerly looking forward to updating the facillities over the coming years in line with this concept.
Workspace also built us an Excel tool to help with budgeting for practical implementation measures, allowing us to see clearly what each action would cost.
We at Workspace thank Airi and the Nature Center team for an impactful project. You can learn more about Oulanka Nature Center and the progress of the renovations on the Luontoon.fi website.
