Rethink your Environment: Machiya Project (Furniture)

Duration :

17 June – 17 Aug. 2022 (part 1)

18 Aug. – 21 Sep. 2022 (part 2)

Project code :

GA21-FIN-0013

Coordinating organization :

Tomoya Wakayama,

Cyclo Project ry

Partner organization :

Tampere University, Finland

Meijo University, Japan

Founders / Sponsors:

Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa

Foundation

Objective

“Rethink your Environment: Machiya Project (Furniture)” is a youth exchange project between Tampere university (Finland) and Meijo University (Japan). From Finland, 8 students who study architecture in their university and 10 students from Japan will gather in Tsushima, Japan. Understanding of cultural diversity is one of the key factors to understand each other when we met first time. The different nationalities have different cultures, manners, customs, and visions. However, the current opportunities to share these knowledges are still lacking them. In this program you will receive the opportunity to share the knowledges and skills how to collaborate with different nationalities.

  • To raise awareness on intercultural learning and sensitivity through the communication with various stakeholders in planning stage and by discovering concepts of identity and diversity;
  • To enhance the knowledge and skills in architecture and engineering construction and with communication abilities in diverse working environments in order to create multi-talented young people and decrease unemployment rates;
  • To discover and exploit the potential talents such as communications and planning in early stage through the multicultural working environment;
  • To create and operate multicultural co-working space with locals in order to understand cultural diversity under the SDGs

Feedback

First of all a huge thank you to everyone! I first had my doubts about the program since all things were a bit unclear, maybe because of covid. But as soon as we got in Japan and things started rolling I had a really good time. I liked the day rhythm and working with other students. I think we should encourage more ice breaking after a schoolday in the beginning of the program. (Not so formal kind) I think finns learned a lot of technical skills while Japanese learned language the most. The project and having around 12 people in the site was good. It put us together and we got to know each other.

— Sara Litmanen

Effective communication was the bedrock of our successful endeavor, ensuring that everyone was well-informed about ongoing and upcoming developments. Stressing the project’s objectives was vital for clarity, allowing individuals to align their efforts with the overarching goals and effectively manage expectations. This shared vision not only fostered collaboration but also resulted in a more productive project execution. Open and transparent communication laid the foundation for a smoother journey towards achieving the project’s intended outcomes.

— Jyri Marttunen

Following pictures are copyright at Isaura Hernandez