VIIMA

VIIMA is a participatory workshop exploring new ways to turn the wind of Oulu into a resource. Its goal is to strengthen local identity while creating joy, experiences, and a social cohesion in the city.

The inspiration comes from the example of Gothenburg: a city that decided to turn rain into a strength and become the best place in the world when it rains. Gothenburg turned this vision into life through bold and artistic solutions. In Oulu, the aim is a similar transformation but in relation to wind instead of rain. The workshop is led by Jens Thoms Ivarsson, who also implemented the Gothenburg project.

During the workshops, participants will develop ideas and concepts that turn the power of wind into benefits and joy for city residents. Can the wind create sound art, bring smiles to cyclists through an ironic land mural, or dry people after the rain with a wind tunnel? Could the wind become a playful element in parks or create cooling meeting spots on hot days?

VIIMA combines art, design, architecture, and urban development with an experimental approach. The goal is to pilot new ways of thinking in Oulu’s windy areas, such as the grid pattern city center and seaside residential districts and to find ways to turn the constant wind into an experience, a service, or a humorous source of joy. The aim of the workshop is to cultivate potential ideas and possibly carry them forward into reality.

Target groups include artists, architects, designers, architecture students, and active citizens who want to develop a new relationship with the wind and its possibilities.

The 3-day workshop begins on Wednesday, October 8, at the Kulttuurilaboratorio in Pikisaari and continues the following days around the city. Transportation will be provided by the workshop. We will send the schedule of the days to the participants via e-mail. The working language will be mainly English.

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The free workshop is organized by The Nook (Sopukka) project of Oulu Urban Culture ry in collaboration with Valve’s urban neighborhood culture and is part of the official Oulu2026 cultural programme.

WEDNESDAY 8.10. at 9–15, Kulttuurilaboratorio
On the opening day of the workshop, we will hear more about Jens Thoms Ivarsson ’s projects as well as other expert perspectives on the theme. During the day, we will reflect on what we’ve heard and launch the workshop activities. VIIMA will provide coffee during the day, and we will have a one-hour self-funded lunch break.

THURSDAY 9.10. at 9–16
On Thursday, we will begin the day with a field visit to an inspirational location, after which we will continue developing our ideas in the workspace. During the day, we will hear more expert insights and continue the workshop under the guidance of Jens Thoms Ivarsson. Lunch will be provided by VIIMA.

FRIDAY 10.10. at 9–16
On Friday, we will visit another inspiration location and continue refining our ideas. We will share a lunch provided by VIIMA, and at the end of the day we will briefly review the results. Finally, we will consider practical ways to implement the ideas into a reality.