Co-creating the Future Suburb. The Creative Corner, a co-design approach

This thesis introduces a participatory and innovative design approach, more specifically the Creative Corner co-design method. The intent of the thesis is firstly to present the invented method. Secondly this thesis analyses the method and discusses the findings, such as the characteristics and attributes that are particularly necessary to be addressed, to support the participants as well as the designers in the creation of a pleasurable co-design experience. The Creative corner method was invented to inspire people to co-design. Further the method was thought to aid in eliciting and collecting valuable knowledge owned by the collaborating persons. The thesis is based on the conducted co-design activities in the suburb 2072 project, which was part of the Aalto University 365wellbeing project and World Design Capital 2012 city of Helsinki initiative. The aim of the project, was to initiate ways of improving the well being factor in the context of the future suburb of Mellunkylä district of Helsinki. Local inhabitants were thus involved in the design process to co-create and vision about their future local living environment. Finally, the outcome of the project formulated into optimistic trend forecasts and a Scenario, imagining the suburban future.