Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Finnish Architecture & Design
Top row: The ‘Original drawing by kids’ concept uses children’s drawings in wallpapers and textiles to bring life into hospitals, nursing homes, hotels and nurseries. Left: Some of Lapland’s traditional elements are incorporated into the interior design of the Tundrea holiday apartments. Middle: Pinja Metsäkoivu designed the Mörönsyötti album cover for Finnish musician Viljami Kukkonen. Right: PIBO Creative’s designs feature on everyday products including the Coquus designs on bread packages and ice cream labels.
Reinvigorating spaces and illustrations Pinja Metsäkoivu’s multifaceted approach to design stems from over ten years’ experience of working at top design and ad agencies around the world, in addition to working as a graphic designer, art illustrator and interior architect. Metsäkoivu’s company, PIBO Creative, is a quirky design and consulting company with several projects worldwide. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: PIBO Creative
Having designed packaging and adverts for companies including Absolut Vodka and Adidas, Metsäkoivu is able to bring multi-disciplinary knowledge to her current ventures, one of which is an interior design project for a hotel lodge in Lapland. The Tundrea holiday centre is situated on the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi, right on the border of Finland, Sweden and Norway. “The idea is to remain true to Lapland’s traditions in the look and feel of the interior,” Metsäkoivu says. “We have incorporated some of Lapland’s traditional elements in the interior design of the holiday apartments: rocks, water and the northern lights are all part of the surroundings and have been considered in the design.” 98 | Issue 82 | November 2015
PIBO Creative is also involved in the design of a new campus at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. “It is a great opportunity to get to work alongside experienced architects and interior designers. This project is my ‘dream job’, where the space is part of the artwork,” says Metsäkoivu. Her ‘Original drawing by kids’ concept incorporates children’s drawings into her designs. “The idea is to spruce life into hospitals, nursing homes, hotels and nurseries by incorporating the kids’ drawings into wallpapers and textiles. Each product is designed for the respective space,” Metsäkoivu explains. “The way in which children draw and
simplify things is exceptional; it is something that adults are simply not capable of doing. It allows many opportunities for design and creativity.” Among other illustration projects, Metsäkoivu designed the Mörönsyötti album cover for Finnish musician Viljami Kukkonen. The illustration was featured at Mikkeli’s tenth illustration triennial competition, showcasing a wide range of Finnish illustrations and graphics. “I always think of the company first, then build my ideas to suit each individual project and try to create fun and refreshing designs that stand out from the crowd,” says the designer. Her designs also feature on everyday products, such as the Coquus designs on bread packages and ice cream labels. “I am living the life I have always dreamed of,” she says. “I live in the Alps with my family, doing work I really enjoy.” For more information, please visit: www.pinjametsakoivu.com