A Meeting Point of Architecture and Craftsmanship

Meander, completed in Helsinki’s Töölö district, is not just a building but a spatial work of art where architecture, design, and craftsmanship complement one another.

Meander, completed in Helsinki’s Töölö district, is more than just a building – it’s an experience. Designed by architect Steven Holl, this project combines ambitious top-tier architecture, design, and craftsmanship in a way rarely seen in new builds. Every detail has been carefully considered, and it’s these small yet meaningful elements that make Meander so exceptional. One example of the building’s uniqueness is the entrance area seating and glass lamps created by Design Studio Mustikainen. These are not just functional elements, but part of a unique visual whole.

 

When Craftsmanship Meets the Architect’s Vision

The seating and lamps, created in the Studio Mustikainen workspace at the old Airam lamp factory, were developed in close collaboration with Holl’s architectural team.

“The project proceeded smoothly, and every detail was carefully considered,” says Olli Mustikainen, founder of Studio Mustikainen. “We tested various materials and finishes for the seating before settling on black-stained and lacquered European ash.” Mustikainen has collaborated with many international designers, but Meander was special. For him, it was the first new-build project where all the furniture was designed from the ground up specifically for that space.

 

 

A Challenge Worth Facing

If the seating involved precise craftsmanship, the glass lamps proved even more challenging. Holl’s designs for relief surfaces required a new manufacturing method, and finding the right material and partner took time. The first test batch didn’t turn out perfectly, but with fine-tuning, the final result met the original vision. The lamps were produced by Essis by Lasilinkki.

“This manufacturing technique might not have been used in Finland before,” Mustikainen shares.

 

 

Grand Designs, Fine Details

Steven Holl is known as an architect who looks at the bigger picture while never overlooking the details. Meander is a perfect example of this: the building’s form is not just beautiful and simple but also tactile. The furniture and lamps created in Mustikainen’s workshop are not just pieces of furniture or décor – they are part of the building’s identity.

“Holl has a rare ability to manage both grand gestures and the smallest details. Meander is an exceptional building, and every element is part of this whole,” Mustikainen sums up.

 

DESIGN STUDIO MUSTIKAINEN

Design Studio Mustikainen combines industrial design, craftsmanship, and innovative material handling. The studio creates unique furniture and lighting for architectural projects. Olli Mustikainen specializes in collaborating with architects and artists, delivering projects for both new builds and historical environments.