Living Details

(Press release 10 September 2009)

On Thursday 10 September, interior architect Esa Vesmanen (Pure Design Oy) will open his Living Details exhibition at Design Forum Finland in Helsinki. The exhibits combine modern, Nordic minimalist design with natural, living details, such as water, fire and even music. Living Details includes new LED lamps, tables made of recycled plastics and divans for cooling off.

"I construct the environment from the basic elements of life, light and matter," says Esa Vesmanen. "I want to arouse feelings by combining the modern and the time-honoured tradition with enduring materials. The strongest aesthetic experience – when you feel shivers down your spine – comes from the interaction when details, materials and space touch you. I feel it is the task of designers to experiment and take risks. That is the only way to create new ideas and products needed by society. There has to be daring. As a sailing enthusiast, I could say that a boat is safe when it is in the harbour, but that's not what it was made for," notes Esa Vesmanen.

Esa Vesmanen wants to lead the visitors to the exhibition to view and experience the environment in new ways. He also wants to arouse discussion on the role of design and the designer at the level of the individual and society. The exhibition also provides a forum of discussion for new corporate culture recognizing the benefits of design.

Interior architect Esa Vesmanen designs products, furniture and lamps for several manufacturers, such as Puustelli, SAAS Instruments and Durat. In 2008, the Ornamo association of designers awarded Esa Vesmanen the distinction of Interior Architect of the Year. During his career, he has designed exhibitions and public facilities and has held several exhibitions of his own in different countries. In May 2009, Esa Vesmanen was the curator and architect of the PLAYFUL – New Finnish Design exhibition in New York.