Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2011 | Page 4

editorial Publisher The Design Footprint Architecture and design are presently experiencing a renaissance of sorts. In Finland, of course, this trend is highlighted by Helsinki’s designation as the World Design Capital 2012, but the phenomenon is really a global one – and it keeps intensifying. A good example of the changing attitudes is the massive Ground Zero project in New York. As the twin towers of World Trade Center were struck down by terrorists, America vowed to build new towers in their place. Suddenly, everybody in the country had an opinion about architecture – what should the new buildings look like? A high-profile competition was arranged in search of the answers, and Daniel Libeskind emerged as the architect who best connected with the site and the emotions of the people. His work resonated with an aura that honoured those lost that day – but, instead of turning inwards, chose to stand up and stand out. The centrepiece of Libeskind’s design is One World Trade Center, formerly known as the Freedom Tower. In true Libeskind fashion, this is architecture that sends a message: counting the antenna, the building will rise to 1,776 feet (541 m). The significance is, of course, that the USA declared its independence in 1776. Libeskind’s original designs have been changed considerably along the way, and other architects have been brought in to shoulder some of the workload. In the NORDICUM interview, the maestro admitted that there is a lot of controversy surrounding the project – and a lot of statements flying around which are simply false. However, instead of getting bogged down by the criticism, Libeskind wanted to look forward, and talk about how the neighbourhood will be completely transformed – in a way that is radical, symbolic and aesthetic. According to Libeskind, the whole Ground Zero experience gives out a signal that can hardly be characterised as weak: the democratisation of design. Citizens all over are realising that they have the right to participate in the discussion about these issues, and they feel empowered in doing so. The next step is to engage the people by presenting fierce visions, and for these ideas to be debated out in the open. Integrating the visual approach with a variety of other elements was also in the mind of “Dr. Aerotropolis” John D. Kasarda who was interviewed for this issue as well. Probably the planet’s leading authority on Airport Cities, Kasarda commented that airport design is no trivial matter as both the first and last impressions usually hinge on such things. Even fleeing aesthetic impact can make an enduring mark. Sami J. Anteroinen Editor-in-Chief PubliCo Oy Pälkäneentie 19 A FI-00510 Helsinki Finland Phone [phone] Fax [phone] [email protected] www.publico.com Editor-in-Chief Sami J. Anteroinen Editorial Coordinator Mirkka Lindroos Project Manager Paul Charpentier Contributors Merja Kihl Ari Mononen Language Editor Dialog Designs Graphic Design A5 Plate Media Oy Ad Sales Finland Mr. Paul Charpentier Phone [phone] Fax [phone] Mr. Risto Valkeapää Phone [phone] Fax [phone] Sweden Mr. Johan Lindberg Phone [phone] Fax [phone] Germany Mr. Lutz Ehrhardt Phone [phone] Fax [phone] Subscriptions Phone [phone] Fax [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Cover Photo Studio Daniel Libeskind Printed by PunaMusta, January 2011 NORDICUM publication schedule 2011 Issue: 2 Date of publication: Themes: 1/2011 2/2011 3/2011 4/2011 5/2011 January March May July November Real Estate Transportation & Logistics Energy & PulPaper Russian Trade Russian Trade Nordicum Photographic and advertising material is sent at the owner’s risk. NORDICUM accepts no liability for loss or damage. NORDICUM is a bimonthly magazine on Nordic business. NORDICUM promotes Baltic Sea area cooperation and free markets. NORDICUM is not affiliated with any political party or financial institution. ISSN 1236-3839 www.nordicum.com PubliCo Oy is a member of The Finnish Periodical Publisher’s Association