NATHAN POTTIER
Helsinki | Paris

Data | Design | Environmental Science | Communication | Empowerment
Key to my values and work ethic, I believe that our environmental crisis is made too complex and inacessible.

Clear, evidential and engaging approaches through design and technological advances are a solution to bring forward narratives to act.
 
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INDEX -> P003 -> The A-frame shelter
Jan - Oct 2024


Grassroot Project

Project Coordinator
Aalto University
[FI]

2024


The A-frame shelter project is an experimental project which explored self-building methods, utilised recycled materials, and fostered hands-on learning experience and teamwork. The final goal was to revitalise the “Test Site” (outdoors experimental lab of Aalto University) by 1-providing a structure which can host sustainability focused events and community gatherings and 2-be a catalyst for more hands-on student projects such as solar energy solutions or hydroponic labs. 

This project was originally started in 2019 with the funding and construction of the main frames, but stagnated due to a lack of resources followed by the COVID crisis. As it was left to decay on the campus, a group of 7 students gathered to act upon this issue.

Publication booklet

@Aalto Test Site
From kickstarting the project - to reviewing and consolidating the worn out structure - to designing the vision - to sourcing materials and tooling - to managing human ressources - to braving the Finnish weather - to finally building - the A-Frame Shelter required constant and ever-evolving managment. As project coordinator, my goal was to manage a continuous flow of work and ensure that this complex project would come to fruition. Below  are specific actions key to my role.

    -> Building upon the A-frame called for precise managment as it involved numerous stakeholders and partners. The project called on two grant applications supported by Aalto University (TTE Fund €9,500 and Sustainability Action Booster €2000). Materials were provided in collaboration with Keraplast and Hiil and required back and forth communication. 

    -> In its planning phase, crucial meetings and agreements were made with ACRE (Aalto real-estate agency) and its 2050 campus vision in order to give a greenlight on the project. 

    -> As multi-discilpinarity and community were core values to the project, open-calls were broadcasted throughout the university, totalising up to 40 people involved in the project. Individuals came from various backgrounds and academic roles (students, professors, workshop masters, etc.). 

The overall project was a success. The A-Frames’ decaying structure was rehabilitated into a more durable and hospitable space for events and sustainability focused events. The process involved diverse individuals and followed sustainability and reusability principles of tools and materials. Despite re-adjusting elements of initial sketches and ideas due to structural concern and priorities we are extremely satisfied with the overall result.

As of latest news [April 2025] the project was upkept and students installed solar panneling to serve as a platform to support more future projects ->       

[Non-proprietary image collection of activities and process of the project]

3D renders
Lo-fi contextual prototype
Usability exploration with side doors and panelling
Open call posters
Site visit to Dodo lab and their urban gardens in Pasila,  Helsinki
Roofing and panelling sketches
DIY measuring and checking devices
Onsite build days - reinforcing the structure with horizontal beams
Inner panneling and steel cable reinforcments
Finalised A-Frame Shelter 
Braving harsh winter conditions

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