We are participating in the Habitare Materials & Objects exhibition at Alcova during Milan Design Week from 7 to 13 April 2025. This is an export project where a group of companies and emerging designers are working together to export Finnish expertise to the world.
Habitare Materials is a concept where the exhibits can and should be touched. Sixteen Finnish design manufacturers will be exhibiting together, encouraging visitors fiddling with the texture of the materials and to create their own mood boards from the sample pieces on display. Habitare Materials & Objects will be on show at Alcova's new exhibition venue, Ex Snia, a former viscose factory. The space provides a raw, layered backdrop for the exhibition.
Habitare Materials & Objects highlights ethically and ecologically sustainable Finnish design and material solutions. It is important, especially in the midst of the current economic uncertainty, that Habitare offers companies an opportunity to participate in a high-quality international exhibition , say Maria Klemetti Laine and Jussi Laine, of NEMO Architects, who curate the Habitare Materials . They curate the Habitare Materials exhibition and are responsible for its exhibition design.
This year, Habitare Materials will be accompanied for the first time by Objects, a collection of Finnish products ranging from furniture to lighting. Among others, the Objects section features Durat's Pukki stool and Kippo sink.
By staging a joint exhibition, we can help more companies and designers to showcase their work in a major international arena. The collaboration enhances the exhibition, producing great encounters and adding an interesting dynamic , says the creative lead at Habitare and the curator of Objects Päivi Helander.
In addition to us, this year's exhibition includes Arktis , Fiberwood , Hiil , Koivui , KOTA company , Metsä Fibre , Mölinä , Pihlgren and Ritola , Friends of Finnish Crafts , VM Carpet , and designers Ville Auvinen , Fanni Laukkanen , Aino Michelsen , and Roosa Ryhänen .
Habitare Materials was featured for the first time at the Alcova showcase during Milan Design Week in April 2023. At that time, 14 partner companies were involved. The installation-like, participatory exhibition of materials was a success: it stood out, and its exhibition concept, which invited visitors to touch the materials, left its mark on the hearts of the international design audience.
The ninth edition of Alcova is set to open in to four extraordinary locations in Varedo. The Alcova showcase has become one of the most visited design events in the world in recent years, attracting 90,000 visitors in 2024. It is a platform for experimental and innovative design, bringing together design companies, designers and other industry players from around the world. Alcova is especially known for its unique venues, many of which are abandoned historic buildings or areas, such as former factories, villas or greenhouses, that have been repurposed for exhibition use.
