Weekly’s HDW tips for the the design curious
The main goal of Helsinki Design Week is to enhance design and architecture literacy. By recognizing that everything around us is designed by someone, our appreciation for the environment also grows. This understanding also increases our ability to be critical and demand more from design.
The best of Finnish design and the diversity of the design world will be showcased during HDW through various events ranging from ceramics workshops to think tank gatherings, and from fashion shows to furniture launches. The programme includes architecture tours, lecture series, and open doors at embassy residences.
Helsinki Design Weekly has compiled recommendations from the programme for interested city dwellers, but to be honest with you, it wasn’t an easy task. You can find your own favorites by exploring the calendar here. (We’ve also created a list for professionals in the design fields, which you can find here.)
Design Market 7–8 September, 11 AM–6 PM
The classic and hugely popular Design Market at the Cable Factory invites design enthusiasts to find treasures once again. Participating companies will be offering products from previous seasons, prototypes, or items with slight imperfections. In the Merikaapelihalli, you’ll also find the newly launched Collectors’ Market section, featuring rare items, vintage pieces, and unique objects. According to Weekly’s information, items for sale will include a lamp seen in several Kaurismäki films by set designer Markku Pätilä, and a boudoir set by media personality and fashion expert Sami Sykkö. For more details and a full list of sellers, visit Design Market at Kaapelitehdas event page.
Main Venue on Paasivuorenkatu 3: Bar Unikko 11–14 September, from 4 PM onwards
An old bank hall in Hakaniemi transforms into the heart of HDW when it hosts the conceptual Bar Unikko in residence at Helsinki Design Week, a project that first charmed visitors at Milan Design Week, developed in collaboration with Marimekko and international interior design publication Apartamento. Paasivuorenkatu 3 will be open to the public every day from 4 PM, 11–14 September. Explore the full programme here, with highlights including a free PechaKucha Night on 13 September and a design-themed pub quiz hosted by Marimekko on 14 September, with great prizes. On Saturday, 14 September, the space will also host the launch of a new design and architecture map of Helsinki, developed by Finnish Design Info, Archinfo, and the City of Helsinki, featuring discussions with Helsinki’s Chief Design Officer Hanna Harris, Hakola’s Creative Director Annaleena Hakola, and landscape architect Janne Saario. Paasivuorenkatu 3 daily programme is listed here.
Open Studios 6 and 13 September, 3 PM–7 PM
HDW opens the city’s doors and invites the public into places that are usually off-limits. Open Studios is a series of open houses held on both Fridays of the festival. Designers’ studios and offices offer a unique view into what creative work in Helsinki looks like. Participants include Werklig, Nordkapp, and Balmuir, and to make the studio visits easier, Helsinki Design Weekly has compiled a recommended route, which you can find here.
Open Doors in the Ceramic Quarter 7 September, 11 AM–4 PM
Doors are also open in the “Ceramic Quarter” of Etu-Töölö, where as part of HDW, a new event brings together top artists in studio ceramics and glass. The event offers a wide selection of unique art and functional ceramics and glass available for purchase directly from the creators. Additionally, workshops will be available where participants can try hand-building and casting with clay. Participating designers include Susanne Koskimäki and Marjo Saarela (Ceramics and Glass Studio Rastas and Muru, Dagmarinkatu 9 b), as well as Katja Kotikoski, Enna Kukkola, Sara Kyllönen, and Aino Laukkanen (Ceramics Studio Kaoliini, Temppelikatu 14 A). More information here.
Design Diplomacy 11–13 September, 9–11 AM, 12–2 PM, 4–6 PM
How would your first boss describe you? What do you wish you had designed yourself? What do you think is the greatest challenge facing humanity?
These are among the 52 questions on conversation cards that two designers ask each other in the luxurious residences of ambassadors. The designers represent Finland and the embassy’s host country, meeting for the first time at the Design Diplomacy event. The result is always an inspiring and intimate conversation, followed by refreshments offered by the ambassador. According to Weekly, some of these conversations have sparked collaboration projects, interior design ventures, and numerous encounters and long-lasting friendships.
This event concept, developed by Luovi Productions, the organizer behind HDW, has spread to design festivals around the world. By the way, the word “diplomacy” comes from the French word “diploma,” which in Greek meant a folded paper – perhaps a card.
Meet the speakers and book your spot quickly here.
In a New Light – Lighting Art Exhibition at Stockmann 6–15 September
Stockmann joins Helsinki Design Week with a new project curated by Harri Koskinen and Anna Moilanen, “In a New Light.” This exhibition showcases advanced lighting artworks by six Finnish artists and designers, combining experimental approaches, artistry, and new light creation. The Finnish top names represent different styles, art forms, and generations, from a 22-year-old newcomer to a 92-year-old design veteran. Participating designers include Eero Aarnio, Björn Weckström, Linda Bergroth, Hanna Anonen, Juha Joutsi, and Maisa Majakka. All lighting artworks were created in collaboration with Innolux. More details here.
Workshop on Urban Nature’s New Sprouting 12 September
How does a seed germinate, grow roots, and then sprout towards the light? What is it like to be a plant in the city? This workshop invites participants to explore the plant world through bodily exercises: germination, growth, and sprouting.
The PilotGreen project, coordinated by Forum Virium Helsinki, the innovation company of the City of Helsinki, is piloting new urban nature solutions in Suvilahti during summer 2024. Forum Virium Helsinki organizes a workshop around these experiments, inviting participants to observe urban nature from a new perspective.
Toisissa tiloissa is a performance art collective that centers its activities around collective bodily exercises. These exercises enable us to connect with unfamiliar experiences and forms of existence – entering other states of being. The Sprawling Workshop is based on plant-themed bodily exercises, experienced together in the open air at the Suvilahti area. Everyone is welcome to join, and no prior experience is required. More information here.
StairCase – Juoksut & Mellow Minutes 12 September 6:30–7:30 PM
One way to explore the city is with running shoes on! The StairCase event starts at HDW’s main venue on Paasivuorenkatu at 6:30 PM, following a 10 km route that winds through Helsinki’s hidden and familiar staircases.
The event is organized together by two Helsinki-based running clubs, Juoksut and Mellow Minutes. The run also ends at Paasivuorenkatu, where runners can enjoy a refreshing drink at Bar Unikko. Learn more here.
Digital Natives – Saami Games Now September 6–15
The Digital Natives – Saami Games Now exhibition on Kankurinkatu brings a fresh perspective to game design by showcasing eight games that explore various aspects of Sámi culture. The exhibition features two commercial games, Skábma – Snowfall and Raanaa – The Shaman Girl, along with six games created during the Sami Game Jam 2018. The exhibition can be experienced in two languages: English and Northern Sámi (with Finnish guidance also available). More details here.
Designs for a Cooler Planet 6–15 September
Aalto University invites HDW visitors to explore the new Marsio building on the Otaniemi campus, where the Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition features dozens of research-based projects at various stages: wild ideas, prototypes, pilots, and commercial solutions. These are things you might not yet find on Google.
https://helsinkidesignweek.com/events/designs-for-a-cooler-planet/?lang=enYou’ll see prototypes of new materials, textiles, and health technologies; learn how we can promote biodiversity; get a glimpse into space; and understand what cybersecurity truly means. Free entry. More details here.