Aino Aalto large tumbler

How much are titles, prizes and other distinctions really worth? What some consider a mark of quality is seen by others as a red rag. The Finnish capital Helsinki has been selected as the World Design Capital 2012 – and is definitely worth a visit.

Inga Sempé is known for her delicate and playful designs. She tells us how diverse her portfolio is and what she has planned for this year.

The “Helsinki Design Week” took place for the 10th time this year. For all those who may have forgotten what makes Finnish design so special – the trade fair complex and Helsinki’s Design District provided a lot to bring things back to mind.

Soon it’ll be book fair time again in Frankfurt. And as always, the fair’s Guest of Honor country gets to shape the face of culture in the city for a short time. So what does Finland have to offer in addition to vodka and forests, sauna and Saarinen, Artek and Aalto?

There is a camel here, a small monkey there. And which soap adorns the latest washstands? Some presentations at this year's ISH were real eye-catchers, others simply a bit drab. But all were careful arrangements.

The Ambiente in Frankfurt/Main has always been considered at the trade fair of "things to put on things". Any number of accessories for the kitchen, bathroom, living room, kids' room and garden. The selection of fitting innovations for "your store" is a challenge that every purchasing manager has to survive.

Helsinki Design Week - Kari Korkman, who initiated and organizes the event, describes it as "an annual festival for creativity", and a visit indeed confirms that it is easy to be swept along by the Finns' enthusiasm for design.