Design conference deals with common welfare

Next May, the International Expert Meeting will submit proposals for concrete solutions to global problems, such as population ageing and sustainable development.

Part of the World Design Capital year programme of events, the objective of the Cities for All Helsinki Conference is a comprehensive experience: unprecedented inspiration and enthusiasm in the areas of accessibility, non-discrimination, availability and understanding. The event offers a topical vision of how design that takes all users into consideration improves the common welfare and generates real value added for both public sector services and company business.

Aimed at product and environmental design, construction and social decision-maker professionals, the conference is a high-level expert seminar and a showcase for exemplary international Design for All solutions.

The theme is also apparent at event venues

Held in English at the Helsinki Music Centre, which is located in the Helsinki city centre, the conference honours the principles of accessibility as a pilot example of an event that is accessible to all users.

A special emphasis was placed on openness and accessibility in the architecture and functions of the Helsinki Music Centre. Its central location in the Helsinki city centre ensures that the Music Centre can be easily reached using public transportation from locations both inside and outside the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. In addition, the Helsinki Music Centre is open year round, from morning to evening, and its facilities, such as the foyer and lobby areas, cafe, restaurant and Sibelius Academy Library are open to the public. Music Centre activities are showcased by its expansive glass walls, which open out to Töölönlahti Bay and Kiasma

Call for exhibitions now underway

The Cities for All Helsinki invitational exhibition is comprised of Design for All solutions designed by Finnish organisations and  companies as well as product and service solutions chosen by an international panel of experts that embody the Design for All philosophy in an exemplary way. Multidisciplinary expert knowledge, user and professional experiences, sharing solutions and seeing things in a new way all play a key role.

Finnish and international Design for All ideas in the areas of built environment and service design are now being sought. Proposals may be submitted until 30 November 2011 using the form link found on the Finnish Association of Designers ORNAMO.