Habitare 2016: Helsinki Design Week Emphasizes Democratic Accessibility
Habitare 2016, held from September 7 to 11 at Messukeskus in Helsinki, showcased Nordic and international design, with a strong focus on home decor and easy living as a Finnish lifestyle. The event featured major design and home automation companies, including Scavolini with its Diesel kitchen. For the first time, Habitare introduced 'International Friends,' with critic Alice Rawsthorn selecting standout projects: Kitzen's copper cladding, Plootu's buy-back scheme, Fasetti's reissue of Carl Gustav Hjort af Ornäs furniture, and Yuka Takahashi's multifunctional furniture. The fair's democratic layout placed young creatives and startups alongside established brands, contrasting with Milan's Salone del Mobile. Approximately 50% of visitors made purchases during the five-day event. Habitare will return in 2017 alongside Antiikki, ArtHelsinki, ValoLight, and HifiExpo from September 13 to 17.
Key facts
- Habitare 2016 took place September 7–11 at Messukeskus, Helsinki.
- Event featured Nordic design and home automation companies.
- Scavolini presented its Diesel kitchen at the fair.
- Alice Rawsthorn was the first 'International Friend' of Habitare.
- Rawsthorn selected Kitzen's copper cladding as most interesting material.
- Plootu's buy-back scheme was chosen as most interesting phenomenon.
- Fasetti's reissue of Carl Gustav Hjort af Ornäs furniture won best concept.
- Yuka Takahashi's multifunctional furniture won best product.
- Habitare 2016 had a democratic layout mixing young designers with big brands.
- About 50% of visitors made purchases during the event.
- Habitare 2017 will run September 13–17 with Antiikki, ArtHelsinki, ValoLight, HifiExpo.
Entities
Artists
- Alice Rawsthorn
- Carl Gustav Hjort af Ornäs
- Yuka Takahashi
- Franco Mazzucchelli
Institutions
- Messukeskus
- Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture
- Scavolini
- Diesel
- Kitzen
- Plootu
- Fasetti
- Matri
- Yhes
- Gymstick International
- Marimekko
- New York Times
- Artribune
- Fine Dining Lovers
- Wu Magazine
- Club Milano
- Wired
Locations
- Helsinki
- Finland
- Estonia
- Milan
- Italy
- Arese