Helsinki, Finland is a World Design Capital 2012. The Finnish capital was chosen as the 2012 design capital together with Finnish cities Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Lahti by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid). Icsid chooses the World Design Cities every second year from a list of applicants. The purpose of choosing design capitals is to celebrate cities that have successfully promoted design and its cultural, social and economic use.
Helsinki Design Year Events
The theme for the design year 2012 in Helsinki is Open Helsinki – Embedding Design in Everyday Life. This year's programme includes around 300 events and projects, all related to design. One of the main events in the Finnish design cities is the World Design Gala on 2 February 2012 in Lahti, a southern Finnish city approximately 100 km away from Helsinki and the home of the popular Institute of Design. Themes for the 2012 design events and projects include the social dimensions of design, sustainable design and how design can be used to make life better, easier and more functional.
The Design District Helsinki
The design capital year is the perfect time to visit the Design District Helsinki and its shops, galleries and restaurants. The Design District is a concentration of designers, artists and creative businesses that includes nearly 200 members. They range from art galleries and design boutiques to workshops, hotels and restaurants. The district is home to the Design Museum, the Design Forum Finland (a gallery and a shop) and the Museum of Finnish Architecture, and it is located right in the heart of Helsinki.
Helsinki will also build a wooden pavilion to be used as a visitor centre and a meeting point during the design capital year. The pavilion will be located between the Museum of Finnish architecture and the Design Museum and it will host events, talks, film screenings and design markets.
New Tourist Attractions in Helsinki
The New York Times recently chose Helsinki as one of the best destinations to visit in 2012. As well as the traditional and popular Helsinki tourist attractions there are new sights in the Finnish capital, including the Helsinki Music Centre (Mannerheimintie 13a). Located right in the city centre, by the Houses of Parliament and near the Museum of Contemporary Art (Kiasma), the Music Centre hosts concerts and events.
The Visit Helsinki website has more information about travel to Helsinki, places to stay and events throughout the year.
