New map introduces Helsinki's most interesting buildings and interiors

Helsinki is one of the most interesting cities in the Nordics for architecture and design. The best-known Finnish architects and designers are the masters of the golden age of modernism, whose works attract visitors from far and wide. The new map highlights architectural and design gems from different eras and helps visitors discover them.

In addition to showcasing buildings and interiors, the Helsinki Architecture & Design Highlights map tells the story of Helsinki's built environment through the decades and provides background on the ambitions and styles of the different eras. The map has been jointly created by the information centres for Finnish architecture and design, Archinfo and Finnish Design Info, with the support of the City of Helsinki.

”Architecture and design continue to be some of Helsinki’s key attractions. We are delighted to welcome the new map featuring both the city’s rich architecture and design history and new sites such as the Ruoholahti computer-themed playground”, says Chief Design Officer Hanna Harris from the City of Helsinki.

The map will be distributed at the Helsinki tourist information office, museums, and hotels. There’s high demand for a new map, as Archinfo's previous architectural map is out of print.

"In today's virtual world, we also yearn for tangible things such as a beautiful print product. We were happy to have the opportunity to produce a completely new version of our architectural map together with Finnish Design Info. Combining architecture and design in one is more than natural, as interiors and the furniture and light fixtures designed for them are an integral part of the building. At the same time, the active cooperation between the two information centres found a new delightful form," says Miina Jutila, Archinfo's Head of Communications.

"Design is everywhere, and Helsinki is full of great design destinations. However, putting them on a physical map wasn't easy, as successful design often embodies something intangible. A great example of this is Helsinki Central Library Oodi, known for its service design, where the core includes not only beautiful architecture and interior design but also services that greatly benefit locals and visitors. It has been fascinating to reflect on design issues and communication from this perspective as well," says Kirsi Juva, Executive Director of Finnish Design Info.

The editorial board consisted of Henrik Hynninen and Miina Jutila from Archinfo and Kirsi Juva and Krista Lehtonen from Finnish Design Info, and the visual identity was designed by the award-winning visual designer Sofia Pusa. 

Helsinki Architecture & Design Highlights will be unveiled at Helsinki Design Week, the largest design festival in the Nordic countries. Read about the launch event through this link.