After New York I’m traveling to London to speak at HEL/LO Let’s Talk event organised by by the Finnish Institute in London. HEL/LO is a series of four events that will bring together architecture and design professionals from London and Helsinki for a lively discussion and exchange of ideas throughout the year.

The first event to kick off the series 24 May is called HEL/LO – Let’s Talk About Dreams. The discussion focuses on self-initiated, DIY architecture and design projects that shape the cities and communities we live in. Have a look at Hella’s interview at the event’s pages.

HEL/LO will also be the London launch for Helsinki Beyond Dreams and the book is for sale at the event.

HEL/LO – Let’s Talk About Dreams
Thu 24 May, 6–9 pm
The Gopher Hole, 350–354 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NQ

Our new publication, Helsinki Beyond Dreams will celebrate a New York launch tomorrow at the New Finnish Design CITY Lounge / Wanted Design fair. During May 19-21 the CITY Lounge showcases Finnish product and service design, and calls attention to the emerging forms of urban culture in Helsinki. The lounge also acts as a stage for a discussion series and case study presentations exploring (post)materiality in 21st century design.

Helsinki Beyond Dreams book launch at CITY Lounge with editor Hella Hernberg (Urban Dream Management) and one of the contributors Bryan Boyer (Helsinki Design Lab, Sitra – The Finnish Innovation Fund)
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Wanted Design
269 11th Avenue
New York, NY 10001

We’ll be selling Helsinki Beyond Dreams in the event for a discount price of 35 USD (cash only).

Admission is free with invitation or appropriate business card, general admission 25 USD.

Helsinki Beyond Dreams is a book about urban culture and how it can make a difference. The book is a team effort by a large group of urban activists, thinkers and artists – edited and compiled by me and published by Urban Dream Management. We hope the book will serve as inspiration for anyone interested in developing better future cities.

Have a look at www.helsinkibeyonddreams.com for further info! Our webshop has also just opened and the first orders will be shipped right after the book launch.

For the past 1.5 years, me and my colleagues have had the honor to occupy a great old harbor warehouse, “Makasiini L3″, at the shore of Helsinki’s Jätkäsaari harbor. This building, designed by Lars Sonck in 1927, had been lying empty for a few years, but recently it’s been developing into a new center of creative workers, new businesses, exhibition spaces and events. The city of Helsinki is now discussing the future development of the building and offering it to real estate developers, with the plan to turn the building into a commercial and office environment. We would like to raise debate of the undisputed potentials the L3 could offer for the developing Jätkäsaari area from a broader perspective. Today there’s been a lot of discussion in the media.

» article in Helsingin Sanomat
» article in the local newspaper, Vartti

The Dutch architectural magazine, Mark, has published my letter from Helsinki in its series “Dear Mark”. Read impressions on Helsinki’s emerging urban culture and massive urban change at Mark’s issue #35 (Dec 11/Jan 12).

The market brings together local designers, artists and brands such as Pelago Bicycles, Napa Books+Illustrations, Fem collective, Grey Market, Katariina Guthwert, Napa Books, and Nopsa Fashion Library. We are taking over the great empty halls of the L3 warehouse in Jätkäsaari. Christmas porridge, glögi and locally roasted coffee also available. The event is organised by Urban Dream Management and Pelago. Welcome!

Titled Helsinki Beyond Dreams, the book is about emerging local cultures and how they make a difference. We’ve invited a culturally varied group of urban activists, theorists and designers to share their views around the theme. We can’t wait to get all the inspiring stories and the rich photography out and published!

The book will be available in March/April 2012. It is also part of the official program of World Design Capital Helsinki 2012. Stay alert, more information will follow.

Paumes’ books are available in Helsinki at Akateeminen kirjakauppa, Napa and other selected bookshops.

Spring is here and it is time to wear dresses! Also Written on the Wind has a selection of samples and exhibition models waiting for you. The dresses are handmade from old fabrics – unique pieces that won’t come across at every street corner. Now 50% off normal prices until the end of April.

Have a look here for more info: www.hellahernberg.com/design/written-on-the-wind/sample-sale/