Hirameki Design x Finland
Export platform for Finnish design
11.06.2010 12:50
HIRAMEKI is a moment of epiphany, spark, inspiration. In autumn 2010, Design Forum Finland will stage a design export initiative at the Tokyo Designers Week - Hirameki Design × Finland - which will present the Japanese public with a fresh and multifaceted image of Finnish design. The exhibition will cluster the full repertoire of Finnish design, from technological innovations to individual designers, around a series of scintillating themes. The aim of the pilot initiative is to support design exports and promote co-operative ventures between Finnish designers and firms in Japan. The patron of the initiative is Stefan Wallin, Finland's Minister of Culture and Sport.A representative group of today's brightest designer names along with companies utilising design in a key way will participate in HIRAMEKI Design × Finland exhibition, curated and conceived by designers Harri Koskinen and Ilkka Suppanen. A broad overview of Finnish design is presented through six colour-themed sparks, leading to HIRAMEKI as the seventh colour. HIRAMEKI, the moment when one colour changes to another, offers a new perspective and an opportunity to exchange views and design together.
WHITE: LIGHT, THINKING
The white spark reflects light. Energy
solutions and high technology influence our everyday lives. Some
technological solutions are based on the know-how of craftsmen, others
on new innovations. Seemingly simple solutions often contain a long
history of knowledge behind them.
GREEN: SUSTAINABILITY, RETHINKING WELFARE
The green spark
showcases sustainable solutions for the future. Learning to exchange
best practices between organizations, stakeholders, companies and
designers is the key element in rethinking welfare.
GREY: DESIGN AND INDSUTRY
The grey spark presents design as a
strategic tool in product development. Companies are using design in a
holistic way more than ever before; from brand design and digital design
to usability and marketing communications.
BLACK: AUTHORS, ICONS
The black spark describes products and the
people behind them; Finnish designers are often seen wearing black. Here
black illustrates the vast know-how of these professionals and the
talent and attitude used in creating beautiful and functional objects.
BLUE: SUOMI, FINLAND
The blue spark illustrates the Finnish way of
life, how form follows function. Design is in everyday use in Finnish
homes. Today, Finnish design draws inspiration both from the nature and
urban surroundings, from traditions and global connections.
NEON: ATTITUDE
The neon spark surprises you. A playful attitude is
necessary, and many young designers dare to challenge traditions.
The following companies, design agencies and designers are participating in the initiative: Tapiovaara, Aïno, Chao & Eero Jewel, CWP Coloured Wood Products, Finn-Savotta, Johanna Gullichsen Textile Craft & Design, Hanna Korvela Design, Jalo Helsinki, Kainu, Magaru/ Niidome, Paakkanen, MAGI&COTM, Majamoo, Melaja, KIDE Mschic, Original Habitek Works, Plastex, Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen, Rocla, Saana ja Olli, Secto Design, Vallila Interior, Vuokko, Windside Production, Creadesign, Design Machine, How About Viktor, Kokoro & Moi, Pennanen Design, Pentagon Design, Woodism, Yatta, Aalto + Aalto, Tapio Anttila, Tuukka Halonen, Harni-Takahashi, Elina Helenius, Marita Huurinainen, Renata Jakowleff, Maria Jauhiainen, Järvi & Ruoho, Jouko Järvisalo, Kirsti Kasnio, Kai Henning Korhonen, Jukka Korpihete, Antti Kotilainen, Yrjö Kukkapuro, Anne Kyyrö Quinn, Mikko Laakkonen, Nathalie Lahdenmäki and Naoto Niidome, Kristiina Lassus, Eeva Lithovius, Julia Lundsten, Mats Lönngren, Susanne Markkanen, Samuli Naamanka, Mikko Paakkanen, Anu Penttinen, Inni Pärnänen, Tuula Pöyhönen, Timo Ripatti, Saara Renvall, Sari Syväluoma, Tauno Tarna, Aika Urata and Esa Vesmanen.
The Fennia Prize - Good Design Grows Global, exhibition of awarded design based on biennial design competition organized by Design Forum Finland and Fennia Group, is a part of HIRAMEKI. The Aalto University, created from the merger of three Finnish universities: The Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology and The University of Art and Design Helsinki, along with a presentation of Helsinki as the upcoming World Design Capital 2012, will also feature strongly in the initiative.
Hirameki Design x Finland is produced by Design Forum Finland in collaboration with Living Design Center OZONE and the Finnish Institute in Japan.
HIRAMEKI Design × Finland is supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the 100-year Foundation for the Finnish Society of Crafts and Design, Visit Finland, Aalto University and Helsinki World Design Capital 2012.
Contact information in Finland:
Design Forum Finland
Project
Manager Sirpa Fourastie, sirpa.fourastie@designforum.fi, +358-(0)9-6220
8125,
Project Manager Hanna Punnonen, hanna.punnonen@designforum.fi,
+358-(0)9-6220 8116,
www.hiramekidesign.com
Contact information in Japan:
The Finnish Institute in Japan
Culture
and Communications Manager Aarne Toivonen,
aarne.toivonen@finstitute.gr.jp, +81-(0)3-5447-6039,
Project
Coordinator Kou Hattori, kou.hattori@finstitute.gr.jp, +81-(0)
80-4071-9981.
