Helsinki strengthens the Design Week event to communicate “We Are Open” – WWD
LET’S MEET: As millions of cities, businesses and enterprises continue to struggle to figure out how and to what extent large groups can be brought together, the City of Helsinki has introduced a possible model for Helsinki. Design Week.
The first was established in 2005, Helsinki Design Week is the largest design festival in the Nordic countries, but curious or potential copycats don’t have to fly to Finland to participate or pick up ideas. This year’s edition will be published between 1 and 11 September, both online and in person. Through an open search, the organizers have decided on more than 100 events with the theme “We are open”. For the first time in the event’s history, the main venue will be open to the public throughout the 10-day festival. On the top floors of the elegant 1962 building designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto, visitors are encouraged to brainstorm and exchange ideas, take part in guided tours, enjoy the pop-up restaurant Kuurna and listen to talk about design and architecture.
Giving the principle of the design-minded Scandinavian country’s reputation to the activities of the cultural ambassador – Design Diplomacy discussions are organized in the ambassador’s residence. Ten embassies participate in the negotiations, each of which brings together a planning professional from Finland and one from the embassy’s home country. The topics of the discussions are chosen randomly from a deck of cards, and the speakers are not instructed in advance to prepare for a more natural discussion.
HDW and the City of Helsinki will celebrate the 10th anniversary of World Design Capital on September 1 by honoring a designer or design team that has contributed something positive to the city. Environmental design ideas are highlighted in Life 1.5’s “Designs for a Cooler Planet” exhibit. With the help of the Helsinki International Film Festival, surprise screenings are organized around the city.
Looking to the future, there is also the “What if? Alternative Futures” exhibition at the Helsinki Design Museum, which picks up the Sitra report of the Finnish Independence Celebration Fund, which ponders such topics as whether emotions could be measured and different species could communicate.
City of Helsinki officials, designers and creatives can be up to something. According to the “Cities in a Post-COVID World” report, the preference for large cities is not expected to have an impact in the post-COVID-19 world. . The three researchers concluded that more outdoor events will take place on city streets and squares as city centers become more pedestrian and bike-friendly places. They wrote that the migration of affluent residents from cities to the suburbs could crowd out an influx of young artists and creatives. But the cultural divide can become more pronounced when illness and economic consequences hit the most vulnerable.
There are also more expected gatherings, such as the popular three-day Design Market, where designers and other creative people sell fashion, accessories and other items. HDW understands the importance of fostering children’s interest in all aspects of design and offers them a range of events during ‘Children’s Design Week’. The main event gives children and young people a voice to express how the city center would feel open to them.