On inspiration trip to Helsinki
A look back at our inspiration trip to Helsinki; where tradition and innovation come together in a vibrant city full of surprises. From humble sea trade city to an economic hub, Helsinki has evolved into a hub for technology, design and education, driven by an unparalleled spirit of progress.
Last week, we took an inspiration trip to Helsinki with a diverse group of 36 participants, including policymakers, architects, business leaders and city employees, ... This trip was all about innovation, design and sustainability.
On the first day, we explored Helsinki by bicycle. Despite the rainy start, we admired the city's architectural gems. We ended the day at the innovative ‘Computer Themed Playground’, a new playground and meeting place that, like the iconic Oodi library, is an example of how design thinking and participatory design are woven into city policy.
The impressive Nokia Cable Factory, a former factory transformed into a vibrant creative hub, left us reflecting on the building's rich history and multifaceted infills. We also visited the renowned Aivan design studio, where we were inspired by their pioneering projects ranging from luxury yachts to modular motorbikes.
The second day was dedicated to technological innovation and creative entrepreneurship. We visited Planmeca, a leading player in medical technology, where we learned about their advanced dental equipment and their ongoing search for innovative solutions. We then visited Marimekko, an iconic Finnish brand, where we got an insight into their sustainability and circularity efforts, and enjoyed a tour of their colourful print department. In the afternoon, we visited the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, a globally recognised centre for creativity and innovation, where students have access to the latest facilities and materials.
On the last day, we visited Kone, a world leader in lifts and escalators. They gave us an inspiring presentation on how design plays a central role in their products and processes, aiming to improve the ease of use and end-user experience.
This trip to Helsinki gave us a valuable insight into how creative design, technological innovation and sustainability go hand in hand to shape the future of cities and organisations.
