Design pavilion sustains Helsinki summer

By Peter Marten, June 2012

Photo: Gustavo AlavedraThe Pavilion, designed at Aalto University, is a showcase of Finnish sustainable wood architecture.

In the middle of Helsinki, the yard between the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture is transformed into a spacious, covered terrace with a café and a stage. This is the Pavilion, the heart of Helsinki’s year as 2012 World Design Capital.

Nearly 100 different organisations are involved in filling the Pavilion’s space with events, music, discussions, debates and other activities. There are movie nights, yoga mornings, Wednesday workshops and “Talk and action” evenings.

Photo: Gustavo Alavedra
One pavilion, two worlds: relaxing and working in the same space.
 

Juggler Jay Gilligan takes the Pavilion stage together with renowned violinist Pekka Kuusisto in a publicity plug for Our Festival in the nearby town of Järvenpää. A poetry slam goes down. Top designers teach visitors how to work with – trash. Bookseller Ian Bourgeot, well known locally for the concerts and readings held in his Arkadia Bookshop, hosts several evenings that tackle large subjects such as art; politics and society; and activism and human rights.

Sustainability forms a main theme; the Pavilion itself demonstrates Finnish new-generation sustainable wood construction as designed by experts and students from Aalto University’s Puustudio (Wood Studio). The glass roof lets evening visitors enjoy the magical atmosphere of Helsinki’s white nights during a memorable summer in the World Design Capital.

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Pavilion, in 2012 World Design Capital Helsinki, until September 16, 2012