Embedded Design is Helsinki’s concept for 2012. This ties in with the idea of Helsinki being an open city, which organisers say this can be achieved by transparency, curiosity, global responsibility and innovation.

Throughout 2012 there will be over 300 events, exhibitions, projects and initiatives that are set take place to help examine ways that design can be embedded into our everyday lives. That said, organisers stress that the year is not just about the show and spectacle and that they hope their work will have long-term positive impacts on the city’s urban life.

The world’s most Northern located design week in the city of Rovaniemi, Rovaniemi Design Week from  17th-26th February 2012. Helsinki’s very own Design Week will feature later on in the year, 6th-16th September 2012.

The biennial World Design Capital was launched in 2008 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid), which unites the international community of industrial design. The Design Capital title was created to acknowledge the achievements of cities that are using design as a tool to improve the social, cultural and economic aspects of their environment. Previous design capitals have been Torino, Italy (2008) and Seoul, South Korea (2010).

For all the other events and projects taking place throughout the year, check out the World Design Capital’s programme.

Helsinki Cathedral New Years Light Projections