Artek

Artek to launch a new 2nd Cycle store in the heart of Helsinki

On 15 October 2011, Artek will celebrate its 76th anniversary by opening a new store in Helsinki, Artek 2nd Cycle. The Manifesto of Artek which sets out the firm’s philosophy, was written when the company was founded. Artek’s far-sighted founders created the foundation for an ideology in which sustainable development joins hands with enlightened consumerism. The original goals and values are still very much part of Artek today. The new concept store focuses on 2nd Cycle and vintage products.

The Manifest is a challenge for Artek, especially now when consumption is fast and feral. The original values of Artek – long-term durability and high quality combined with a clean form language – remain the company’s driving forces to this day. The idea behind the Artek 2nd Cycle store is not to recycle products, but to extend their lifecycle to create a new consumer connection. True to its status as an opinion setter, Artek continues to challenge old practices and truisms. The company has always stood firmly for social awareness, maintaining a certain idealism. Artek 2nd Cycle is a statement for sustainable development and enlightened consumerism. A utility article which over the course of its life becomes a collectible, is a rarity.

The product range and concept of Artek 2nd Cycle is in the hands of Juhani Lemmetti, Development Director at Artek. Lemmetti is himself a passionate collector and a vintage dealer. “The concept is fundamentally about lifestyles and philosophy. We aim to serve high-end collectors as well as consumers who have an interest in quality design. We are also happy to receive customers who just want to discuss vintage design and what to buy. One aspect of the concept is to promote knowledge about design classics. We tell our customers stories about the birth and history of the products. We are also happy to give ideas for interior decoration and for collecting classics,” Lemmetti says. In addition to selling, he also buys and swaps vintage design objects through his extensive network of contacts which includes foreign collectors, buyers as well as museums.

The concept of Artek 2nd Cycle is a solid statement for classic design. Designed by architect Niko Tiula, Artek 2nd Cycle store with its 600+ square metres is an internationally significant event and a unique business concept. The products on sale include items by such classic designers as Alvar Aalto, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Yrjö Kukkapuro, Arne Jakobsen, Charles and Ray Eames, not only furniture but also lamps, carpets, ceramics, tableware and fine art prints. The online store will be launched at the end of November.

Timeless design is not a matter of faith alone. Artek 2nd Cycle is proof of conviction. Whether you buy a new product or an old one, you will be building a future 2nd Cycle collection!

Artek 2nd Cycle :
Pieni Roobertinkatu 4-6
Opening hours: Wednesday – Friday 11-18, Saturday 11-15
Tel: +358 50 5959262

Download the press release from here