Reimagining free time in a world without smartphones
OTIUM
Otium is a community space designed to help young adults spend their free time meaningfully, in a world without smartphones.
Inspired by post-growth thinking, we were challenged to rethink smartphones in a world without fossil fuels. Recognising smartphones as tools of connection, we chose to replace them with a community centre designed to help young adults reconnect—with themselves, nature, and each other. Our response, Otium (Latin for “free time”), addresses both smartphone addiction and the environmental impact of e-waste.
Otium is a space that promotes well-being, sustainability, and social connection through:
Community activities: workshops, games, and events that bring people together
Immersion in nature: to support mental health and happiness
Repurposing e-waste: by transforming old smartphones into useful elements within the space, encouraging collaborative problem-solving
In a world without phones, reaching our audience would rely on alternative methods like word of mouth and organic OOH marketing: posters, billboards, and community displays.
This made art direction especially important; I carefully selected and edited photographs to visually communicate Otium’s story and values.
To introduce the brand to the public,
we created OtiumFest:
A day-long festival celebrating community spirit and connection in the new generation. The USP of our experience was how it reimagined familiar activities on the smartphone—like social media, music, and games— into real-life experiences, with the aim of bringing the community together in a fun and engaging way.
Curious about the process?
For a more in-depth view on the research, design process and execution of this project, feel free to have a look at my Case Study book!
