Problem

I was invited to join the MIT Reality Hackathon, the Virtual World Society "Reality Shakers", and Helsinki XR Center with a team challenge to create more global awareness and community while preserving Finnish values of trust and nature. The problem was to ultimately form an innovative solution that could establish a permanent foundation for dialogue, research, and positive impacts.

I realized that the world needs a model of what an ideal aspirational future city could be today and as a model for the future. The team ultimately believed that we needed to create a platform where organizations, museums, and companies invested in making a better world could come together and collaborate toward sustainable development goals.

Solution

Our team proposed an XR Sustainability Lab that would showcase how technology can be used for sustainable development. The lab would include edible gardens with AR games, AI, space simulation, and data-driven interactive art exhibitions. It would provide a unique experience for visitors to learn about sustainability in an immersive way with interactive and participatory experiences.

The Helsinki XR Sustainability Lab would host organizations from around the world who are working towards sustainable development goals. It would become a permanent foundation and hub for dialogue, research, and positive impact. By creating this platform, we aimed to establish a global community invested in making the world a better place.

Impact Goals

Establish a global community and foundation invested in sustainable cities and making the world a better place
Inspire visitors to think about and participate in sustainability in new ways
Increase awareness and activity about sustainable development goals by 2027

I cant wait to play in an AR Sustainable Strawbery Garden; I want to make art, score points, and create real climate impact! --MIT Reality Hack Participant

Team

Team Member #1 - Executive Director of Helsinki XR Sustainability Lab, Tiina Vuorio
- Presented the objective for creating more global awareness for the Helsinki XR Center at the MIT Media Lab's Reality Hackathon
- Created a case for why Helsinki is ideal for an XR Sustainability Lab
- Oversaw the formation of a team of core members and advisors
Team Member #2 - Creative Director, Paige Dansinger
- Presented a solution for Helsinki XR Center of an XR Sustainability Lab
- Initiate a prototype using Shapes XR
- Create relationships with MIT Reality Hackathon event sponsors, winners, and teams to use their immersive platforms in the implementation of creative use cases
Team Member #3 - Project Director, Maya Polackal
- Leading the project from ideation to execution
- Cultivate partnerships with organizations invested in sustainable development goals
- Guide fundraising for stakeholder and community impacts
Advisory Team
Robin White Owen, Michael Owen, Mary Anne Powers, Leslie Shannon, Casper Harteveld, Jeremy Dalton, Alvin Graylin, Tessa Kriesel, Damon Hernandez
Supporting members
Dan Blair, Angelina Dayton, Onur Tupal-Sumer

AI Concept Images by KingWillonius, MIT Reality Hacker for Helsinki XR Sustaiblility Lab

Helsinki XR Lab Fosters Sustainability Awareness