When the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) announced, that the appointment of the World Design Capital™ (WDC) 2012 has been conferred to the City of Helsinki, this created a fantastic opportunity for Finland to show the excellence as well as to broaden its networks in the field of design. According to the mayor of Helsinki, Jussi Pajunen, design has to be understood in a broad manner: “Our goal is to develop a better city and to create a quality of life. Design can also be employed, for instance, in the redevelopment of public services. User centeredness, sustainable development and positive associations are basic values of good design.”
Concordia res parvae crescunt.
I wish all the best for the preparations for the Capital of the world of design.
This year Finland will have a grand display within the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, the Pavillion designed by the JKMM architects, titled ’Kirnu’ is nearly complete. Kirnu is located in the center of the main site of the fair, facing the Chinese Pavillion and has already attracted a great deal of attention not only with its curved form but also for its sustainability and eco-friendliness. Good life is the theme for Finland in this project.
In his essay ‘What I believe’, published 1925, philosopher Bertrand Russell wrote: ”The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge”.
To knowledge and love I would still like to add the qualities of enthusiasm, passion and skill. With all these we are well equipped, to give and receive also within the world of art and design.
I wish you warmth at the midwinter heart!
