Helsinki Design Week celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with the theme Taking the Leap. Founded in 2005 by Kari Korkman, it has since grown into the largest design festival in the Nordic countries. Its open minded, multidisciplinary approach to design covers fields ranging from fashion to urban culture in more than 150 events that gather together both design professionals and the general public. “This year’s Helsinki Design Week is more international and diverse than ever before”, Hanna Harris, the festival’s programme director, explains. Find our picks for some of the most interesting architecture related events below.

South of North

South of North is a collaboration between Nordic architects who share the objective of reducing poverty and triggering positive social change through architecture and design. Architecture that produces ecological and social sustainability in developing environments is an emerging phenomenon. Come and hear the collaborative present and discuss their work in the South of North On Site event.

6 September 2014, 3-5 pm
Kellohalli, the Abattoir (Työpajankatu 2)
South of North

Think in a Tank

The Lighting Design Collective and urban futures sociologist Marco Bevolo are coming together to create a forum for discussing the role of light in architecture in a contemporary society. The event will be held at the SILO 468 building, a former oil depository. Although the event is not open to the public, its outcome will be shared through a series of short films and online publications.

Think in a Tank

Eero Saarinen Honorary Lecture

Organised by the Museum of Finnish Architecture, the annual lecture invites young, internationally recognised architects to speak about their work. This year the lecture is given by the British architect Stephen Witherford of Witherford Watson Mann Architects, the winner of the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize 2013.

11 September 2014, 6-7 pm
Bio Rex (Mannerheimintie 22-24)
Read more about the event here