The city of Helsinki was selected as the World Design Capital for 2012 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. For the period of one year, a series of events with design as the central theme will be held throughout Helsinki as well as surrounding cities.
In addition to events, there are also various venues which have opened as part of the World Design Capital Program. One of these is the Kampin Kapelli, which is also known as the Chapel of Silence, which opened on 31 May. This structure is an example of timber architecture built via sustainable construction materials and methods. The design was by Helsinki-based K2S Architects with architect Mikko Summanen as the main designer. It was awarded with the Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award in 2010.
When I walked into the building, I was very much taken aback by the inviting colors of the timber walls, and the rounded shape of the structure which seemed to suggest eternity. I sat down and looked up, and saw the indirect, natural light that lit up the room, which probably was the true source of the inviting “colors”. I actually went back to visit a few more times just to make sure I got it all in. It’s definitely worth a visit if you are visiting Helsinki.
Visiting Information
Kampin Kapelli, Chapel of Silence
weekdays from 7am–8pm
weekends from 10am–6pm