HEL/LO – Let's Talk About Dreams

HEL/LO – Let's Talk kicks off at The Gopher Hole 24 May. The first event focuses on self-initiated, DIY architecture and design projects that shape the cities and communities we live in.

Self-initiated projects are demonstrating that the urge to create is stronger than ever as designers, architects and writers operate in a market that can be crowded and short of opportunities. The first HEL/LO invites a panel of speakers who have created publications, manifestos, buildings, products and events that have had an impact in London and Helsinki, to discuss the proactive nature of their work and the changing methods designers and architects are using to realise their dreams.

The speakers for the event are Helsinki-based architect and designer, Hella Hernberg and Olli Sirén, producer and initiator of groundbreaking community projects together with London-based designer Asif Khan and the young architectural practice Mobile Studio.

‘We look forward to welcoming our speakers at the first HEL/LO event to start the conversations that we hope will continue beyond each event. We will explore the differing design cultures between the two capitals through learning about the methods and ideals that the participants maintain when realising their designs,' says Owen Pritchard from Blueprint magazine, who is the co-curator of HEL/LO events together with Hanna Harris, arts and culture programme director at The Finnish Institute in London.

The event series is accompanied by the HEL/LO – Let's Talk blog, where the participants along with other contributing design and architecture professionals from Helsinki and London continue the dialogue and exchange of ideas.

The HEL/LO series continues with HEL/LO – Let's Talk About Games during the London Festival of Architecture, 6 July at the White Building in Hackney Wick. The following two HEL/LO events take place in September, one during the London Design Festival and one in Helsinki during Helsinki Design Week. They will bring together architecture and design professionals from London and Helsinki for a lively discussion and exchange of ideas throughout the year.

Studio EMMI and the Peepshow Collective have created the set design for all HEL/LO events.

The series is organised in collaboration with Blueprint magazine and is one of the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 international satellite events.

HEL/LO – Let's Talk About Dreams
Thu 24 May, 6–9 pm
The Gopher Hole, 350–354 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NQ
The event is free but booking is essential as places limited. Please book your seat here.

The event is fully booked. Please enquire for cancellations at the door.

More information:
HEL/LO – Let's Talk

Image: Helen Korpak