Maybe you didn't know it, but Helsinki is a city of design. In fact, there is a district in Helsinki that is dedicated solely to this; it is the "Design district". When you walk around, you pass by shops, galleries and workshops that have their own style.
I was able to visit the Design Museum which traces the history and evolution of Finnish industrial and graphic design. This building, built in a neo-gothic style, was founded by Carl Gustav Estlander in 1873.
In this museum you can see atypical and not so atypical objects, decoration, furniture, lights, dishes, photos, drawings, textiles. A lot of pieces are exposed inside this museum.
Seven brothers
In fact, the idea that wants to be transmitted is that Finnish design is a spokesperson for equality. For example, the exhibition Every Body shows this. Indeed, the idea is that quality but inexpensive products could contribute to improve the daily life of all.
the exhibition Every Body
I really enjoyed this museum, there were many things to see, and also many workshops where we could in turn express our art, to pass a message.
Then, I continued my walk by visiting St. John's Church, located right in front of the design museum. It's a church dating from the 19th century. It is a Lutheran church, also built in a neo-Gothic style (like the museum) by the Swedish Adolf Melander. When I visited it, the exterior was being renovated, but I could still see the beauty of this church, which fits in well with the adjacent streets.
John's Church
From the visit to this district, I remember three names of Finnish designers; their works can be found in this district:
- Alvar Aalto: He is a Finnish architect, draughtsman, urban planner and designer, who is a proponent of functionalism and organic architecture. His buildings are always in harmony with the landscape. For example, he designed the Finlandia Palace in Heslinki.
the Finlandia Palace
- Armi Ratia and Riitta Immonen; who are the creators of the Marimekko brand; a large Finnish design company in the textile, clothing and decoration sector. Their creations are sold in Finland and abroad. This brand has its own style: a combination of simple patterns and very powerful colours.
Marimekko shop
A walk in this area is worth the diversions, I recommend it!
Lisa Iafrate
Comments