What is sustainability in design? For Artek and Marimekko, it is a combination of high quality, longevity and strong ideology of true design. Now these two Finnish top design houses meet in Spiral Garden in Tokyo to present this approach in an exhibition entitled Be Honest!.

This year Artek celebrates the 75th anniversary of Stool 60. Designed by the architect Alvar Aalto in 1933, this innovative yet simple stool is considered the archetype of functional furniture. To pay tribute to this icon, a dynamic installation of Artek stools will be created at Spiral Garden. For this celebration, the following international creators have been invited to get inspired and make their own version of the Aalto stool: Shigeru Ban, Tom Dixon, GROOVISIONS, Alvar Gullichsen, Harri Koskinen, Nami Makishi, Akira Minagawa, Monocle, Tetsuya Nakamura, Yukiharu Takematsu and Katja Tukiainen.

The Marimekko designs exhibited in Spiral Garden represent a mix of classic and new prints, created by Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi, Erja Hirvi, Maija Isola, Kristina Isola, Harri Koskinen, Maija Louekari, and Miina Äkkijyrkkä. This mixture of designs reflects Marimekko’s concept of good design, exemplifying longevity and timelessness. The world-renowned classics from the 1950s and 1960s are as topical today as they were when they were created, and the contemporary Marimekko designs are expected to be as enthralling fifty years from now as they are today. Whether distinguished masters or promising fresh talents, Marimekko’s designers have always been among the best in their field.

Spiral Café will be turned into a Milkbar for the duration of the exhibition. The visitors are invited to experience the feel of sustainable design: Alvar Aalto icons in black and white alongside with Marimekko’s captivating cow designs.

The exhibition takes place 9–23 September 2008, open daily 11.00–20.00.

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