Revealing Layers Exhibition – Habitare
Yatofu was invited to design and co-curate the Theme Exhibition for Habitare 2024, an annual design event held in Helsinki. Each year, Habitare selects a theme to guide the event, and for 2024, the theme chosen was “Layers.” Yatofu aimed to explore the concept of layers by revealing the various dimensions embedded within design stories, as well as demonstrating how the layering form, color, and materials can create a dynamic and enriching experience.
The exhibition sought to offer a fresh perspective on Finnish design and aesthetics by emphasizing the core values that define it, revealing the layers behind a curated selection of Finnish designers and their works, and showcasing the stories, processes, methods, and influences behind their design intentions.
Collaborating in the curation of the exhibition with Päivi Helander, the event’s creative director, Yatofu aimed to showcase Finnish design from a novel viewpoint.
The exhibition showcased designers and works grounded in Finnish design values while representing diverse experiences, challenging limited definitions of Finnish design. To explore the layered stories behind these creations, Yatofu produced a series of videos featuring four designers and artists, each revealing their unique inspirations and values.
Eemeli Sahimaa – Practice Of / What Would I Do Without
Lennart Engels – Sauna Stone Lab
To physically represent the theme of layers, Yatofu designed the exhibition space to highlight and expose the structural frameworks rather than conceal them with surface materials.
The structural elements were emphasized in a vibrant lime green, with translucent materials and cutouts allowing visitors to experience a layered perspective of the space. The main structure, resembling a fabric lantern, was illuminated from within through translucent fabric, casting a warm glow throughout the exhibition.
Yatofu’s vision for Habitare 2024’s theme exhibition highlights Finnish design’s distinctive contribution to contemporary global design and reflects a thoughtful, value-driven approach to exhibition architecture.
Exhibition Architecture : Yatofu Creatives
Curation: Yatofu, Päivi Helander
Design Team: Angela Lindahl, Yihan Xiang, Valenti Soler-Casas
Photography: Aleksi Tikkala, Henri Vogt
Videos: Mark Vicuña
Exhibited Works:
Practice Of / What Would I Do Without – Eemeli Sahimaa
Kudos Collection – Paul Flanders
Sauna Stone Lab – Lennart Engels
Untitled / Bas Relief 01 – Apolline Laforêt
Pond Glass Table – Pasi Kärkkäinen
Wood Pleats Collection – Didi NG Wing Yin
Bamboo Collection – Yrjö Kukkapuro
Magic Islands ja Itämeri – Karin Widnäs
Play in Progress – Rudi Merz, Laura Merz
Trace of Light – Paja&Bureau