Some HDW Tips for Design Professionals!

The Helsinki Design Weekly editorial team has put together a list of the very best events not to miss. Of course, we hope this selection will inspire you to explore the entire programme and discover your own favourites. You’ll find our full calendar here.

HAPPINESS – Can happiness be designed? Exhibition and symposium, 11 Sept, 14:00–18:00

If you have time for just one event: you are warmly welcome to the main venue, Suomitalo (Lönnrotinkatu 5). On the 4th floor, a curated exhibition by Anniina Koivu tackles the universally relevant theme of happiness from a fresh perspective, through the lens of design. On Thursday 11 September, the exhibition ticket also grants access to a top-level symposium organised in collaboration with the City of Helsinki. International speakers will approach the happiness theme not only through design, but also research, urban planning and art.

Keynotes include city planner David Sim, long-time collaborator of Jan Gehl, and Bjørnstjerne Christiansen, founding member of Superflex. Psychologist and researcher Jennifer De Paola will take us behind the scenes of current happiness research, while London-based Isabel Gibson will present her works, known for their lively and smile-inducing installations. The discussion will be moderated by Oli Stratford, editor-in-chief of Disegno magazine. More details can be found here.

Thursday evening highlights

The day concludes with the House by an Architect – an evening where architects share informal presentations on the homes they wish they had designed themselves. Speakers include Pekka Pakkanen, Miina Kontuniemi, Jouni Kaipia, Maiju Suomi and Aaro Artto. The presentations will be in Finnish.

You can also head to Johanna Gullichsen, where alongside her iconic textiles you can experience an inspiring soundscape. Created by Joel Hypén and Matti Nives, the unique composition blends authentic sounds, spoken elements and composed music into an immersive atmosphere.

Friday and Saturday picks

Make sure to stop by Arkken’s showroom on Fredrikinkatu, transformed into a lively Italian marketplace. In celebration of HDW, Arkken highlights design and all things kitchen-related – from the market to the table. Step inside and indulge your senses: buzzing market tables, delicious aperitifs, striking art installations and irresistible Italo-disco all create an unforgettable experience.

Blau Interior has teamed up with Lokal, presenting an exhibition designed by interior architect Hanni Koroma. The showcase celebrates the beauty of everyday life and offers a fresh perspective on the dialogue between Finnish design and art.

For those around Kallio

Designer Stefan Lindfors takes over Post Bar from Tuesday to Friday with a programme featuring product launches, performances and parties.

Group exhibitions to watch

We’re especially looking forward to Sense of Spirituality, opening at Studio Bom, and 10 Days of Summer at the beautiful Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden – a project that charmed audiences at 3 Days of Design in June.

Friday evening

Perhaps you already knew this one: on Friday evening we gather across from Suomitalo, at the Old Church (Lönnrotinkatu 6). The hugely popular PechaKucha Night runs from 19:00–21:00, featuring Irene Suosalo, Sanna Mander, Ellen Järnefelt, Samuil Angelov, Lilja Birgisdóttir, Joel Melasniemi, Anna Brotkin, Marko Ahtisaari, Ari Heinilä, Björk Hijoort and Mika Johnson. The evening will be hosted by HDW’s programme director Anni Korkman. This time the presentations will be in English. Make sure to buy your ticket in advance.

You can soak up the HDW atmosphere and catch up at the Kuurna pop-up restaurant, created in collaboration with Finnish Design Shop. Book your table in the stunning dining hall designed by Lauri Johansson, located on the fifth floor of Suomitalo. While dining, you can enjoy HAY’s latest designs alongside contemporary art curated by WWW Contemporary. Reserve your table via this link.