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Habitare programme to bring international discussion on the significance of design

The programme at Habitare will feature topical discussions on the significance of design in a rapidly changing world. Contributors at the increasingly international event will include design professionals from leading and emerging companies, such as Kvadrat and Polestar. Topics to be discussed include responsible design and the materials of the future. 

The Habitare 2023 theme, Together, highlights the importance of togetherness in the midst of uncertainty and challenging times. The event will reflect on our changing world and the contrasts of our time, and how, together, we must find new perspectives on consumption and living.

The questions raised by the theme are also reflected in the Habitare programme. Over five days, the Arena stage will host topical discussions, bringing together representatives of leading and emerging design companies and prominent international media, as well as industry professionals, from designers to architects. The Habitare programme will offer a topical and multifaceted overview of what is happening in the design industry right now, and what will happen next.

See the English programme here

Interesting program tips

Anders Byriel

CEO of Kvadrat,
International Friend of Habitare 2023

Wed 13.9. at 15:00

On the opening day there will be a keynote speech by the 2023 International Friend of Habitare Anders Byriel, CEO of Kvadrat, which is one of the most renowned textile companies in the world. Founded in 1968, the Danish company pushes the boundaries of textile design and general design thinking through its material innovations, use of colours, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Under the leadership of Byriel, who took over the helm of the family business in 1998, Kvadrat’s revenue has grown from $16 million to $258 million.

Joanna Laajisto

Studio Joanna Laajisto,
The designer behind the Habitare 2023 exhibition design

Wed 13.9. at 11:00

One of the highlights of the first day of Habitare is an interview with Joanna Laajisto, who is one of Finland’s best-known interior designers. Recent projects by Studio Joanna Laajisto, the company behind the Habitare 2023 exhibition design, include Café Savoy, the Finnish Design Shop’s head office and showroom, Runo Hotel Porvoo, and the DTM restaurant, to open before the summer.

Anna Pirkola and Kirsikka Simberg

Studio Plenty,
The designers behind the Habitare 2023 theme

Wed 13.9. at 11:00

Habitare’s 2023 theme, Tegether, will emphasise being and doing things together. The theme, Together, speaks about our need to feel togetherness in today’s world, but also about our duty to take care of nature and each other, together. Anna Pirkola and Kirsikka Simberg, of Studio Plenty, will elaborate on the Habitare theme of Together and the thinking behind the themed exhibition that will be featured at the event for the first time.

Susanna Vento

Interior stylist,
The curator of Habitare Choice area

Thu 14.9. at 13:00

Responsible design and the circular economy are featured in the Habitare programme, as well. The curator of Habitare’s new Choice area, the interior stylist Susanna Vento, will moderate a discussion on solutions for a more responsible way of life.

Tej Chauhan

Industrial designer

Wed  13.9. at 16:00

Tej Chauhan’s eponymous practice is known for Emotive Industrial Design. Exploring beyond the prerequisites of beauty and function, his interest lies in the way objects can make us feel. In the interview Creating Connection, industrial designer Tej Chauhan will tell how design can at its best evoke feelings of joy and well-being in the user.

Nata Salmela

Entrepreneur and real estate investor

Fri  15.9. at 13:00

Two-week renovation – what to consider and is it even possible? The entrepreneur and real estate investor Nata Salmela will discuss her experiences under the title Kahden viikon remppa (‘Two-week renovation’).

Noora Shingler

Sat 16.9. at 13:00

A discussion moderated by the influencer Noora Shingler will focus on Finnish wool.