When the message about the competition regarding the concrete rings in the yard of the dormitory of the Sámi Educational Centre and their possible reuse dropped into my e-mail, countless ideas began to flood my head.
Concrete as a raw material is surprisingly versatile and durable, there are many ways to use it. However, in my final proposal, I ended up taking into account as many points as possible about the principles of sustainable development.
If, for example, the concrete rings had been removed from site as waste, this would have caused e.g. transport costs and further treatment as concrete waste would probably have led to unnecessary crushing of the product already manufactured.
So I download a 3D modeling program to my computer. After a moment of playing around with my outlines, in that three-dimensional space, I ended up taking into account the special features of the area as well as the culture in the project. Therefore, my proposal also included the colors of the Sámi flag as a reference, integrated into the whole.
It is said that “the earth in the way of the earth,” but I think nature, as well as the opportunity to enjoy it, is an important part of all of us. No matter where we are from. For this reason, I wanted the concrete rings to be part of a variety of outdoor activities.
So I suggested that the rings become seats that would also provide some protection from the weather. In this way, we would get as much joy out of as many of these future tangible works of art as possible. With functionalism close to my heart, it was also particularly important to consider the utilization rate of the rings, without forgetting the fact that it must also blend into its environment with the unique landscape of Lake Inari.
The work must look inviting to you, from any perspective. Throughout my plan, the underlying idea was communality and, within me, a desire for people to come together by the concrete rings and be, together.
How is this concrete ring project included in the studies of a student studying tourism? Well, for example, when a challenge is thrown, it is taken up in deeds as well as words. The pursuit of sustainable development extends everywhere. To me and to you, regardless of industry.
” Sustainability, ie ecological, socio-cultural and economic responsibility, must be reflected in both deeds and words, and therefore tourism companies are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in all its dimensions. Utilization of nature in tourism services requires strong management of environmental and socio-cultural impacts and management of resources: acting responsibly without damaging nature and the cultural environment” – Business Finland
Would it be time to turn around and bring tourism to the forefront of sustainable development?
Written by:
Johanne Lumme
Sámi Educational Centre
Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry