AALTO
Aalto is the subject of my master's degree final project - a study on a slow-paced electric naval vehicle architecture that is positioned between a raft and a boat. Rather than prioritizing hull speed, the design focuses on living conditions. The entire architecture relies on basic geometries for easier maintenance and local manufacturing. The service is based on a shared business model, making it more available to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
ADAPTIVE BUMPER SYSTEM
My goal was to create an organic link between the boat and the shore, enabling users to be independent of any docking infrastructure and allowing them to explore almost 40,000 islands in the Finnish Archipelago Sea. The openable and folding architecture delivers a novel way to experience nearby islands, while an adaptive bumper system enables Aalto to be parked in various shoreline conditions. This way, exploration is never limited by the space available at port, and by choosing your own haven, the experience is highly personalized to your needs.
Aalto forms an organic link between land and water, enabling users to be independent of any docking infrastructure. The openable and folding architecture provides a novel way to experience nearby islands. An adaptive bumper system allows Aalto to be parked in various shoreline conditions.
CONCEPT
Following the design philosophy of Alvar Aalto, the architecture blends into the archipelago landscape organically, causing less visual disturbance for wildlife. This way, Aalto ensures a nature-friendly and inclusive way to explore nearby islands, leaving a positive mark in the mind and raising awareness of our own environment.
One of my primary objectives was to create a space that felt open and airy, yet was also able to protect its users from the often quickly fluctuating weather conditions of the northern hemisphere. To achieve this goal, I designed a layout that featured a significant area of open deck space at the front of the boat, with an interior unit serving as a barrier between the outside world and the user's privacy.
This innovative design solution allows users to easily adjust the space to meet their needs, depending on the weather and their desired level of exposure to the elements. Whether enjoying the warmth of the sun on a calm day or seeking refuge from the wind and rain, the space is able to adapt quickly and seamlessly to changing conditions.
The open deck area is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning natural surroundings, while the interior unit provides a sense of protection and privacy that is essential for those who value their personal space. The unit also serves as a functional divider, creating a clear separation between the living area and the elements beyond.
