The 2026 Habitare fair will take place from 2–6 September 2026. Design District Helsinki and its members will also be present at the fair in the following ways:
Design District Helsinki Talks
Design District Helsinki Talks will once again take place on the main stage at Habitare every day of the event, from 1:00 to 1:30 pm.
The talks will be held in Finnish and will explore the twists and turns of brick-and-mortar retail – as part of Helsinki’s urban culture and the diverse field of design.
WEDNESDAY: The Cornerstone of Professionals
Piia Lehtinen, Helena Orava & Kaisa Riikilä
Design District Helsinki is a cornerstone of the city’s design scene, serving both consumers and professionals. What does it offer, and how can it best support professionals through the twists and turns of their work?
Joining the discussion are entrepreneur Helena Orava, founder of Helena Orava Design Project, and Kaisa Riikilä, Marketing and Communications at Durat Oy. The discussion will be moderated by Piia Lehtinen, Chair of the Board of Design District Helsinki.
THURSDAY: Who Is the City Designed For? A Changing City, Changing Spaces
Anna Tiula & Annu Kemppainen
At Design District Helsinki Talks, Anna Tiula will be joined by Annu Kemppainen, Executive Director of Helsinki Pride Community.
The discussion explores how urban spaces change as our understanding of who the city belongs to evolves. Where have LGBTQIA+ communities traditionally gathered? How does heteronormativity manifest itself in the built environment? And what would Helsinki look like if its urban spaces were genuinely designed for a diverse range of residents?
FRIDAY: Home Changes Because Life Changes
Anna Tiula & Joanna Amemori
At Design District Helsinki Talks, Anna Tiula will be joined by interior architect Joanna Amemori.
The discussion looks at how our homes need to adapt as life changes. Moving in together, separation, children, working from home, ageing and other twists and turns in life all shape our housing needs. How can good design give a home the flexibility to adapt to different stages and circumstances in life?
SATURDAY: Vintage Through Life’s Twists and Turns
Anna Tiula & Amanda Kääriäinen
At Design District Helsinki Talks, Anna Tiula will be joined by vintage dealer Amanda Kääriäinen.
The discussion explores why certain pieces of furniture and objects stay with us through different homes and stages of life for decades. Our homes and personal styles may change, but the best objects take on new meanings, uses and places over time. What does vintage bring to an interior precisely because it was not made for just one particular moment?
SUNDAY: Experiences, Community and Genuine Encounters in Brick-and-Mortar Retail
Nina Jatuli & Tiia Ikonen
In the age of online shopping, the key competitive advantage of a brick-and-mortar store is no longer its selection, but the experiences, sense of community and genuine encounters it offers.
The discussion explores how modern brick-and-mortar businesses have evolved towards creating meaningful customer experiences and giving people reasons to visit in person. It also considers the role of physical spaces in building brands and deepening customer relationships.
The discussion will be moderated by Nina Jatuli, Board Member of Design District Helsinki and founder of the Jatuli brand. Her guest will be Tiia Ikonen, founder of Urbaani Legenda.
Design District Helsinki members exhibiting at Habitare
The following Design District Helsinki member companies will also be exhibiting at the fair:
Arkivé Atelier, Artek, Atelier Matti Pikkujämsä, Carl Hansen & Son, Eero Aarnio Originals, Gitte Interiors, Hietakari, Jaro Palmu / Munkkiniemen Taidelainaamo ja Kehys, Lapuan Kankurit, Lokal, Marimekko and Urbaani Legenda.
You can find their locations at the fair, along with other practical information, here.
Wishing you an inspiring day at Habitare – enjoy the exhibition stands and programme!
