Habitare Pro Architecture Focus Day

The Architecture Focus Day offers, in addition to exploring the Habitare fair, a wide range of interesting talks and events. Some of the programme is open to all fair visitors, while some takes place in the Habitare Pro area dedicated to professionals.

We invite architecture professionals to register for Habitare Pro as guests of Archinfo. Register via this link using the code HABIPRO25.

Programme

Aalto Works – the value and future of modern architectural heritage

10:15–11:00
location: Main Stage

The architecture of Alvar and Aino Aalto belongs to the master class of modern architectural heritage, and their works continue to influence contemporary architecture today. A selection of 13 buildings and sites, presented under the title Aalto Works, is being nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

In this Finnish-language expert discussion, we will explore – through the lens of the Aalto Works sites – what makes modern architecture worthy of preservation.

No separate registration needed.

Speakers:
Tommi Lindh, CEO, Alva Aalto Foundation
Jonas Malmberg, Senior Architect, Finnish Heritage Agency

Keynote | The Soul of the City: From Damascus to Helsinki 

Marwa Al-Sabouni

11:00–11:45
location: Main Stage

Finland is frequently ranked as the ‘happiest place in the world’. On the other hand, Syria under the toppled Assad regime was recently ranked as the ‘worst place to live in’. However, as one of the most ancient places on earth; Syria’s past could still offer valuable lessons in creating cities which do not only work but also are capable of surviving. 

This talk will attempt, through architecture and urbanism, to cross-examine the ambitious Finnish present and the ancient Syrian past in order to bring to light some guiding principles on what it means to keep the city alive and what role architecture can play to guard its ‘soul’.   

No separate registration needed.

Marwa Al-Sabouni (b. 1981) is an award-winning architect and urban thinker whose work focuses on cross-studying elements of social understanding, contextual and psychological analysis and aesthetics in order to bring to the fore the role of architecture as a society-making tool. Based in Homs, Syria, she is the author of The Battle for Home (Thames & Hudson 2017) and Building for Hope (Thames & Hudson 2021). She holds a PhD in architectural design and Islamic architecture. 

Workshop: Crash course in building value assessment

12:00–12:45
location: Habitare Pro Workshop

The inspiring Finnish-language workshop offers a concise crash course in building value assessment. You’ll see real-life examples, get practical tips, and have the chance to assess the value of your own building under the guidance of professionals.

Participation is limited to 25 registrants. Register here.

Facilitator:
Tommi Lindh, CEO, Alvar Aalto Foundation

Creative Pitch: Brands Meet Architects

14:00–14:45
location: Habitare Pro Workshop

Discover the latest design innovations in less than one hour! 12 top design companies will pitch their products in sharp, 3-minute presentations tailored for architects. Fast-paced, inspiring, and packed with ideas you can take straight into your projects. The main language is English.

Participation is limited to 25 registrants. Register here.

Host:
Miina Jutila, Archinfo

Workshop: Designing for Hope

15:00–16:00
location: Habitare Pro Workshop

When war has destroyed homes and neighbourhoods, new houses are needed for maintaining the functions of life. Can architecture offer more than just physical shelter?

In this workshop hosted by Archinfo, two architects working in crisis areas – Marwa Al-Sabouni, based in Homs, Syria, and Marco Casagrande, based both in Helsinki, Finland, and Kharkiv, Ukraine – reflect on the architect’s role in reconstruction, the ways architecture can create safe and empathetic living environments, and urban planning as a means of power. Participants in the English-language workshop will also have the chance to share their own views.

Participation is limited to 25 registrants. Register here.

Speakers:
Marwa Al-Sabouni, architect, PhD, writer, Syria
Marco Casagrande, architect, professor, Finland/Ukraine

Facilitator:
Miina Jutila, architect, head of communications, Archinfo

Marwa Al-Sabouni (bio above) 

Marco Casagrande (b. 1971) is an architect and professor currently working on projects related to the reconstruction of Ukraine. In addition to running his Helsinki-based office, Casagrande Laboratory, he has served as a professor of ecological urban planning at Tamkang University in Taiwan and is currently teaching at Kharkiv University and King Danylo University, both in Ukraine. Casagrande’s environmental artworks have been exhibited at several Venice Architecture Biennales and in other exhibitions around the world.