Design in service of communication
Visual communication is one of Helsinki’s strengths, recognized as one of the most effective ways in which Helsinki communicates with its various audiences – local, regional and international.
Award winning design
The Kuudes Kerros design agency earned a Red Dot design award in 2008 for their striking Helsinki Business Hub concept, aimed at profiling Helsinki as the most attractive region for international business and creative people in the Nordic countries. The international Red Dot award recognizes excellence in design and design pioneers.
The Dog Design designer trio were named graphic designers of the year in 2007 by the Finnish graphic professionals’ organization Grafia for their visual identity of the Eurovision Song Contest held in Helsinki that same year.
Making life easier and more fun
The Journey Planner is an online service that allows users to find the best public transport routes in the metropolitan area. The Journey Planner for Cycling does the same for cyclists.
Helsinki has made major efforts to improve and increase signage on public transport, from street signs to real-time electronic information on city transport services.
The City of Helsinki website http://www.hel.fi, a comprehensive source of information on the city and its services, has earned many recognitions. In 2007 the Helsinki website was in third place in the global assessment Digital Governance in Municipalities Worldwide sponsored by the United Nations.
For science fans and all others
The futuristic Heureka Science Centre in Vantaa puts on view varied exhibits, many of them interactive, from diverse fields of science and technology. Heureka celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009. The building and surroundings, designed by Heikkinen-Komonen Architects, incorporate units representing various geometrical forms.
The highly modern Helsinki international airport has been ranked among the world’s best airports in many international passenger surveys owing to its high-quality services. Among these surveys, Skytrax named the airport the world’s best in luggage handling in 2009.
