Photo: WDC Helsinki 2012/ Lauri Eriksson

The long-awaited World Design Capital Pavilion was opened on May 12^th,  inviting now all those who love design, architecture and urban culture to participate in its diverse programme! The Pavilion is an open-to-all space between the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Design Museum where you can experience the WDC year. Be part of the World Design Capital Helsinki and help us to make this city an even better place to live!

Photo: WDC Helsinki 2012/Janne Salovaara

Eat well and listen to the sounds of summer Helsinki! Gather your friends to the living room on a rainy day or on a sunny day enjoy a delicious picnic! Work in the library corner and let your hair down in a traditional Finnish open-air dance (lavatanssit)! But above all participate, debate, question and be merry!

The Pavilion, designed at Aalto University’s Wood Program, is a showcase of Finnish sustainable wood architecture. The architecture is based on the winning design of Pyry-Pekka Kantonen selected in the spring of 2011. The Pavilion is realised by WDC Helsinki 2012 in collaboration with Aalto University, the Museum of Finnish Architeture, the Design Museum and UPM. The furniture of the pavilion is designed by Trash Design.

The pavilion café offers pure summer flavours out of the season’s best ingredients – with respect and responsibility towards nature. Café serves sandwiches, pastries, grilled dishes, and lunch. You can celebrate a summer day with a glass of champagne and when the weather allows it, you should ask the cafe for a picnic basket! The backyard of the Pavilion hosts a little kitchen garden and all the wild herbs are gathered from their natural growing spots. Café is open whenever there’s programme in the pavilion, Tue – Sun 11am – 9pm, offering also a Wireless Internet Access (WiFi).

Photo: WDC Helsinki 2012/Janne Salovaara

In the library corner you’ll find a range of books and magazines available, and the WDC Helsinki push cart gives you a chance to purchase official World Design Capital merchandise – wonderful souvenirs from the design city!

The programme, coordinated by the think tank Demos Helsinki, includes many workshops, lectures and flea markets in the four months the Pavilion is open. The weekly calendar contains regular programme such as reading groups on Tuesdays, yoga on Thursdays and a movie night on Sundays.

Quick picks for the early summer:

Photo: WDC Helsinki 2012

26.-27.5. ARTS Exposed! Tables full of art & design for the entire weekend! At the heart of the weekend are the products and pieces created by the students and alumni of the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. The weekend ends with a film night featuring works by the current students of the ELO Helsinki Film School.

5.-6.6. Fiskars Design Village goes Helsinki. Get a glimpse of day-to-day life at the Fiskars Village! The two-day workshop and picnic event provides an opportunity to meet and work with the artists and designers of the village.

9.-10.6. Design District Market. Meet members of the Design District and purchase unique gifts for a friend or treat yourself to something special. Jumble sale held on Saturday offers design, jewellery, books, antiques, art and fashion. Sunday’s programme features a brunch, music, and gallery and museum tours.

For the complete programme, visit the World Design Capital Helsinki website.

World Design Capital Pavilion, Ullanlinnankatu 2-4. Open Tue – Sun 11am – 9pm until September 16^th 2012.