Touch by Collaboratorio, a multi-sensory pavilion of clay, stone, and reuse that redefines ecological architecture.
The theme of Habitare 2025, “Touch”, explores our human need to experience, feel, and connect through the senses. Through this exhibition, Collaboratorio challenges the flawless, polished surface and turns instead to the honesty of materials: broken marble, wood, and unfired clay.
At the threshold, massive tree stumps removed during the extension works at the Finnish National Museum form a dramatic atrium. Underfoot, the floor weaves together reclaimed Carrara marble from the demolished façade of Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall with soft carpets of Finnish lichens. Walls of Luonnonbetoni earth blocks enclose the space, creating calm intimacy within the bustle of the fair, while a lantern-like roof gathers the space and diffuses both light and sound. Every element is designed for a life beyond the exhibition – nothing is wasted. Here, everything can be touched: curated artworks engage in dialogue with the materials, where clay takes on the qualities of wood, and wood those of clay.
The exhibition features works by Kati Tuominen-Niittylä, Mari Paikkari, Pekka Paikkari, Atte Pylvänäinen, Kira Catani, Antrei Hartikainen, Pasi Eerik Karjula, and even a traditional Finnish stool from the Finnish National Museum’s collection.
Phase
Completed 09/2025
Client
Habitare
Design team
Kristiina Kuusiluoma , Martino De Rossi, Erik Huhtamies
Partners
Luonnonbetoni (earth blocks, Carrara upcycled marble)
Wienerberger (unfired clay bricks)
Nikari and Alkeis (chairs)
Roots Living (hemp carpets)
Bonden (wool blankets and pouffes)
Norden Moss (lichens)
Finsementti (granite sand dust)
Svensson (textile ceiling).
