Finland's premier design fair, Habitare 2025, explored the fundamental human need to "touch and feel things" as a counterbalance to our increasingly digital world. The event, which took place from September 2-6 in Helsinki, showcased the latest in interior design, furniture, lighting, and accessories under the central theme of "Touch."
The fair addressed what organizers described as the essential human need to experience physical sensations through tactile materials and design. Habitare displayed a range of multisensory spaces specifically designed to encourage visitors to explore how different textures and materials impact our experience of space. The event's themed exhibition was curated by architecture studio Collaboratorio, presenting a diverse collection of objects designed to appeal directly to the senses.
"When the world is technical and remote, we want to have things around us that feel like something," explained Päivi Helander, creative lead at Habitare. "The need to touch and feel is, on the one hand, something eternally human, and on the other hand, a counterforce to an increasingly digitalized society." Helander emphasized that touching materials is essential for creativity, curiosity, and imagination, with many displayed items specifically designed to evoke sensory responses.
Helander further elaborated on the importance of tactile experiences, stating, "When things evoke sensations, they are not just transient or disposable. Touching is also a harbinger of curiosity. Fostering curiosity makes us imaginative and suitably adventurous." This philosophy guided the selection and presentation of exhibits throughout the fair.
One of the fair's highlighted areas was the "Neighbours" exhibition, curated by interior designer Laura Seppänen. This special area aimed to evoke the "mood of a residential block" and explored how people's personalities and lifestyles are reflected in their home environments. The exhibition invited visitors to physically touch the exhibits and experience their tactile qualities firsthand, perfectly aligning with the event's central theme.
"Neighbours invites reflection on how personalities and life circumstances manifest themselves within the home," organizers explained. "Habitare's 2025 theme, Touch, is expressed throughout the space through material choices, contrasts, and layering – everything may be touched, and questions about everything are welcomed." This interactive approach allowed visitors to engage with design concepts on a deeply personal level.
Beyond the exhibitions, Habitare 2025 spotlighted several emerging trends in contemporary design. These included a renewed focus on traditional materials, an increased emphasis on learning manual skills, and the growing use of biomaterials in furniture and product design. These trends reflect a broader movement toward sustainability and authenticity in the design world.
The event also featured Habitare Pro, the fair's trade show division created specifically for companies across the design industry. Habitare Pro was designed to "spark meaningful opportunities" and brought together leading designers, architects, buyers, specifiers, and interior designers to discuss the future of design. The trade show provided a dedicated space for companies to connect, collaborate, and develop business relationships while showcasing new products.
Several prominent brands participated in Habitare Pro's showroom area, including Bla Station, Hakola, Forming Function, and North South. These companies showcased diverse collections of tactile furniture and products that embodied the fair's emphasis on sensory experience. According to event organizers, Habitare Pro has established itself as the "core of the design fair experience."
The success of Habitare Pro has been remarkable since its launch in 2023, with the fair seeing a 100 percent increase in professional visitors. This growth demonstrates the industry's hunger for meaningful connections and tactile experiences in an increasingly digital marketplace.
This year also marked a significant milestone for Habitare with the production of its first digital edition of the Nordic Quarters publication. This new format brings together past issues into a comprehensive digital guide designed as a sourcebook for design ideas and innovation, making the fair's insights accessible to a broader global audience.
The emphasis on tactile experiences at Habitare 2025 reflects a broader cultural shift as people seek authentic, physical connections in response to digital fatigue. By celebrating the human need to touch and feel, the fair positioned itself at the forefront of a movement that recognizes the irreplaceable value of sensory experience in design and daily life.
