The first keynote speakers for Habitare 2025 are Petra Börner, Matti Klenell, and Marwa Al-Sabouni
The first speakers for Habitare 2025 have been announced. International keynote speakers include artist Petra Börner, designer Matti Klenell, and architect Marwa Al-Sabouni. The program will also feature inspiring discussions, as well as popular workshops. The full programme will be published in August. Habitare, he leading furniture, design and interior event in the Nordics, will be held at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre from 10 to 14 September 2025.
Swedish-born, London-based artist Petra Börner (b. 1973) is known for her signature line, and the dialogue between drawing, painting, sculptural forms, colors, and organic shapes in her work. In Finland, she is recognized for the Marimekko Artist Series 2025 collection, which features patterns derived from Börner's works. The award-winning artist, who works globally, counts Apple, Chanel, Netflix, The New York Times, Tiffany & Co, and Vogue among her clients.
petraborner.com I @petraborner
Petra Börner's keynote speech, Knotted Line: Unpicking an Intuitive Practice, will be held on Wednesday, September 10th, at 11:00 AM.
The beloved Swedish designer Matti Klenell (b. 1972) naturally navigates the fields of industrial design, craftsmanship, and spatial design in his work, innovatively interpreting Scandinavian design heritage. Klenell’s designs are featured in collections by Iittala, Made by Choice, and Marimekko. Klenell has been named Designer of the Year in Sweden and has won several significant international awards, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Award for Iittala's Lempi glass series. His works are also displayed in museum collections worldwide.
mattiklenell.com I @mattiklenell
Matti Klenell's keynote speech will be held on Wednesday, September 10th, at 12:00 PM.
Marwa Al-Sabouni (b. 1981) is an award-winning Syrian architect and author. She has written two internationally acclaimed works, The Battle for Home (2016) and Building for Hope (2021), in which she explores how cities and buildings can be rebuilt in the aftermath of conflicts, crises, or economic downturns. Al-Sabouni highlights the role of architecture as a tool for building society in her work. She believes that architecture plays a crucial role in maintaining peace.
Marwa Al-Sabouni's keynote speech will be held on Thursday, September 11th, at 11:00 AM.
The Habitare program will also feature topical discussions and presentations that fit this year's theme, Koskettaa/Touch, as well as hands-on activities in the popular workshops.
Explore the first part of the Habitare programme here. The full programme will be published in August.
More information:
Pia Sievinen, communication & brand, Habitare, puh. +358 40 559 9155,pia.sievinen@messukeskus.com
Habitare, the leading furniture, design and interior event in the Nordics, will be held at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre from 10 to 14 September 2025. | habitare.fi | @habitarefair
The Finnish Fair Group includes, in addition to Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, the trade fair organiser Expomark Oy and the AV technology company SVV Oy. In 2024, the Group’s revenue was 58.4 million euros, its economic impact on the surrounding area was 245 million euros, and its employment impact was 3,335 person-years. I Messukeskus. The real social media. I messukeskus.com I @messukeskus
