Finnish By Design

Becoming World Design Capital on New Year’s Day gave Helsinki extra cause to celebrate, particularly along Esplanadi, the long, tree-lined avenue that runs from the old Swedish harbour to the Swedish Theatre.

As in many other countries that struggled to be free of more powerful neighbours, the buildings and streets in the Finnish capital are laden with symbolism. Helsinki was first established as a Swedish trading port in 1550, before being taken over by the Russians in 1809. The city has, in fact, been Finnish for only 94 years.

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