From Milan to Helsinki – Bar Unikko makes a comeback at Helsinki Design Week
This past April, when the global design scene gathered in Milan, one event stole the spotlight at Design Week: the collaboration between Marimekko and the interior design magazine Apartamento—Bar Unikko. Now, this partnership is set to make waves again as Bar Unikko takes center stage at Helsinki Design Week, hosted in Hakaniemi this September.
Marimekko and Apartamento’s latest pop-up, “Bar Unikko in Residence at Helsinki Design Week,” will open its doors to the public on Wednesday, September 11, and remain open until Saturday, September 14.
Set in the historic former bank hall at Paasivuorenkatu 3, this afterwork bar promises to be the beating heart of Helsinki Design Week. In addition to meeting friends both old and new, Bar Unikko offers an inviting selection of small bites and curated drinks, staying true to the concept’s Milanese roots. The bar is operated by Let Me Wine, renowned for their exceptional wines.
This year, the spotlight is on Maija Isola's iconic Unikko pattern, a design familiar to every Finn. But Bar Unikko isn’t just a nod to the past—it’s a fresh, modern take on this classic motif. The space is also furnished with Nordic design pieces, making it a true celebration of design heritage.
Photos: Justus Hirvi / Helsinki Design Week.
1/3Four nights of events
Throughout the week, Bar Unikko will host a series of thought-provoking discussions and events curated by Helsinki Design Week.
Daily Talks by Helsinki Design Weekly
Wednesday, September 11, 4–9 pm
4:30–5:30 pm: Panel discussion: Nordic fashion experts discuss the opportunities offered by developing materials for creative design and new business models in the industry.
6–7 pm: Keynote by Ane Lynge-Jorlén. The keynote will present experimental work by emerging Nordic fashion designers.
7–9 pm: Music played by friends of HDW!
Thursday, September 12, 4–9 pm
4:15 pm: Kaarina Gould: Presentation of the AD museum online competition gallery.
4:30 pm: Panel discussion: Don’t forget to play. A session with rapid-fire presentations, moderated by New York-based DVDL’s founder David van der Leer.
5:30 pm: Panel discussion: How can a functional museum be built for the communities of this century? Moderated by Amos Rex director Kieran Long.
6:30 pm: Keynote by Paola Antonelli: On Creating Change: Museums as an R&D Tool for Society.
8 pm: House by an Architect.
Friday, September 13, 4–11 pm
4–5 pm: Panel discussion, Habitare & Helsinki Design Week: The mystery of the creative process.
5–6 pm: Weekly talks: Interview with the winner of the Helsinki Design Awards.
6–7 pm: Panel discussion: Interdisciplinary creativity and the challenges and opportunities of collaboration in this context.
7–8 pm: Music played by friends of HDW!
8–10 pm: PechaKucha night.
Saturday, September 14, 4–11 pm
4–5 pm: From the map and on the map. Discussing the international visibility of Finnish design.
5–6 pm: Marimekko presents: Design quiz
6–8 pm Music played by friends of HDW!
9–11 pm: Helsinki Design Night (Afterparty at Post Bar)
Ulla Donner’s illustrations celebrate design diversity
Bar Unikko is a celebration of the design community’s rich diversity. In honor of this, Marimekko and Apartamento have commissioned illustrator and artist Ulla Donner to create a series of illustrations depicting five distinct designer archetypes: the architect, the graphic designer, the industrial designers, the print designer and the urban gardener. These playful characters add a fun touch, each poking fun at the stereotypes within the design world—can you spot them all?
Donner’s vibrant illustrations will be featured on a limited-edition Bar Unikko tote bag, among other items. Keep an eye on Marimekko’s channels to find out how you can get your hands on this piece of design week history.
Bar Unikko in residence at Helsinki Design Week
Paasivuorenkatu 3, Hakaniemi, Helsinki
September 11–12, 2024, open from 4 pm to 9 pm
September 13–14, 2024, open from 4 pm to 11 pm
