A new, inspiring Iittala & Arabia Design Centre is a destination center that excites and inspires people of all ages about the past, present and future of Iittala and Arabia.

The Design Centre is located in the Arabia factory building with the iconic chimney and Arabia logo. It is a landmark not only for Finnish design but also for the Arabia district of the city. The combined program of 1800m2 includes the Store, the Design Museum Arabia, the Design Lab and the Arabia Art Department Society.

The design makes a clear distinction between old and new elements by leaving the old space as a fully visible frame for the new functions. The former factory building has been revealed to its bare minimum. The new materials are transparent and reflective or they have been used in the production in the factory-like the old copper printmaking plates. Furniture made with ash frames give warmth, are nice to touch and they give warmth to the entirety.

New layers of materials and colors fit perfectly with Iittala’s and Arabia’s products and monumental industrial architecture. The result is a contemporary public space without diminishing the building’s historical presence.

In addition to the spatial design, Futudesign has also designed all the furniture for the Design Centre.