Horizontal and vertical knowledge management in multidisciplinary research and design-build teaching: a timber-only trail

“The Kouvola Trail” is part of our timber-only research project and consists of 2 realized parts, (i) the prefabricated, “Modular Trail” and the customized “Plaza” modules. On the example of the trail project, this paper describes its combined systemic horizontal and vertical processes, network, knowledge management and multidisciplinary collaboration. Based on systemic knowledge management and the concept of the vertical design studio, we have simultaneously implemented and exposed our research in timber-only structures and architecture to teaching, real world application and manufacturing to enable both, horizontal and vertical alignments. We provide insights into how our academic research on using locally salvaged timber and wooden nail connections vertically links both, disciplines within Aalto, to the Kouvola region vocational college and to industrial partners and manufacturers. This vertical alignment and collaboration not only facilitated academic and practice-oriented knowledge transfer but also increased project-complexity by exchanging ways of thinking. Consequently, we recognized a significant increase of students´ technical expertise, functional development of knowledge, skills, and also motivation, as demonstrated by the “Street Furniture” prototype. Additionally, horizontal learning and collaboration as an inter-organizational system-relationship was fostered by setting up multidisciplinary design teams including the disciplines of civil engineering, architecture, arts and design, plus practical approaches to construction by the vocational school. Expanding this approach e.g. to business schools may open new perspectives and opportunities for industrial partners in future.