The new themed exhibition, designed by Studio Plenty (Anna Pirkola and Kirsikka Simberg), was shown at Habitare, Finland’s leading design fair and creative meeting place, in September 2023.

Habitare’s 2023 theme, Together, explored the contrasts of our time. It speaked about our need to feel togetherness, but also about our duty to take care of nature and each other – together.

We have more wealth than ever before, but at the same time, our current way of life pollutes nature and is riddled with inequality. The theme also reminded us of the power of cooperation and community. In the design industry, seamless cooperation between the designer, the manufacturer, and the manufacturer’s network is how products and services are created. We can choose to be part of a number of different communities that offer interesting content or help us in everyday situations. Together we are more.

The themed exhibition highlighted togetherness from different perspectives, including different ways of being together and things to brighten up everyday life. It also brought monumentality and small everyday details into the dialogue.

“We set out from the idea that the theme of Together becomes concrete in small things. We wanted to attach high value to small everyday things. Not everything surprising has to be big and spectacular, but humble everyday details can be surprising. Instead of an aesthetic extravaganza, we wanted to keep the whole simple and provide room for thought. The exhibition gave visitors breathing space, as it reflected on the many different possible definitions of being together”, say designer Anna Pirkola of Studio Plenty.

The monumental space offered experiences for the various senses. The colour palette used light tones combined with bold and even provocative red, the colour of activism. The soundscape provided a counterbalance to life outside the exhibition.

The theme of recyclability came up in the daily changing section featuring, for example, old kitchen towels and watering cans. Visitors could mark the objects with a sticker and buy them in the same way as in art galleries.

Recyclability was also reflected in the exhibition more widely. The collated frame structures and walls together with the stairs have been reused after Habitare in other events and exhibitions. The partners of the exhibition – Bolon, Cover Story, Essis by Lasilinkki, Grado, Lapuan Kankurit and Lokal – were also selected based on their sustainable production and way of using materials.

Running since 1970, Habitare along with its returning trade platform Habitare Pro provides a platform for brands and designers. The event curates the latest furniture, lighting and accessories, as well as showcases material innovation.