Helsinki is a world design capital

There are Days of Helsinki have taken place in St. Petersburg in October 2011. Concerts, exhibits, workshops for children and parents held in the House of Finlahd on Bolshaya Konyushennaya st. were a part of the program. More than hundred peop- le have visited it on the Open days.

There is also an acquaintance with events program of the project "World Design Capital Helsinki 2012"has been held within the bounds of the Days of Helsinki in St.-Petersburg. In the next 2012 Helsinki has been declared to be the world design capital, and with the capital of Finland other cities like Espoo, Kauniainen, Vantaa and Lahti will share this honorary title. "Open Helsinki—adoption of design in daily life"will be the subject of theyear of design.The principles of openness and internationality assumed as a basis of this conception.They are directed to the different aspects of prosperity where special attention is attracted to the public service and decisions, to the finding ways to make lifestyle healthier and surrounding conditions. These principles are providing sustainable development and making philosophy of design as important part of the society, cooperating between people, companies and city authorities.

"Practicalness, stability and attractiveness — this is that we are aiming for"— said Pekka Timonen, the head of the project "World Design Capital Helsinki 2012". Helsinki became the 3rd city got honorary capital status in world design, andTurin in Italy and Seoul in South Korea had this title before.

Designers from different countries including Russia will come to Helsinki with their ideas. And it is a very good chance for mas- ters from St. Petersburg to demonstrate their talents.