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There’s More to Finland than an Abundance of Natural BeautyHelsinki Launches New Design District
Featured in the newly designated district are designer shops such as Artek (famous Alvar Aalto furniture), iittala (glass, kitchen and tableware), Marimekko (fashion and soft goods), and Kalevala jewelry, art galleries, studios, interior-decorating shops, clothing boutiques, restaurants and attractions. Design District spans from the Esplanade, Helsinki's updated version of the Champs d'Elysee, and extends westward in a sweeping arc. Design Forum Finland, Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture form the core of the Helsinki Design District. These institutions are the leading places to see and learn about Finnish architecture and design, from the older masters in Finnish design (Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva, Kaj Frank and others) to Generation X. The Design Forum Shop even sells design distinctive items.
Design Year 2005, which concludes a five-year period of evaluating Finland's design culture as a tool for competitive economic advancement, underscores Finland's position in international design and advocates good design in every day life and business. Events, Tours and InformationDesign Week Helsinki, September 19-26, comprises events, activities and exhibitions in Finland and abroad. www.helsinkidesignweek.com. The program is open to everyone. It provides exposure to some of the world's best design, creates opportunities to meet interesting professionals and learn the inner workings and applications of good design. A guided walking tour of Helsinki's Design District is a great way to learn about Finnish design. It's offered in English on Thursdays June 30-August 25, 2005. The tour departs at 3 PM from the Artek shop, Eteläesplanadi 18. The duration is about 1.5 hours and the price is 10 Euros. For details visit: www.helsinkiexpert.fi or www.designforum.fi The Helsinki Design Weekend Package gives one access to many free events. The package includes three nights hotel in Helsinki, visits to the Design Forum, the Design Museum, the Arabia Porcelain Factory and an artist's studio. One can browse trendy stores on the Esplanade and shop for quality goods throughout the city. Contact Passage Tours, 800-548-5960. For additional information on Design Year
Finland visit
www.designonoff.fi. Edited by Erika Wright Ravintola illallinen ruoka photo courtesy of Luk Thys |
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TM
Helsinki
has long been considered a paradise for connoisseurs of fine art and
architecture. So it may come as no surprise that Helsinki's new Design District
has become a shopper's Mecca for all things cool, contemporary and uniquely
Finnish. The downtown district, which reflects Finland's high profile image in
international design, offers visitors the opportunity to browse an incredible
cache of world-class quality design in a concentrated area.
Trendy
cafes and fine restaurants that emphasize good design in their interiors are
found throughout the district. Demo's stylish minimalist decor makes it one of
the hottest restaurants in town. The simple elegance of Chez Dominique
compliments its two-star Michelin status. And Mecca bursts with youthful
enthusiasm. There are also numerous clothing stores which include youthful
IVANAhelsinki.