At the doorstep of autumn, we are paying attention to design events taking place in September. Traditionally, the month is filled with a series of exhibitions and design weeks that take place around the world. Still, if you have to choose from the places worth visiting in this regards, we would recommend a trip to Paris, London, Montreal, Helsinki or Chicago. Each of these cities will host a major event that should be on the calendar of anyone who is excited about design. The hardest part about choosing will actually be where not to go.
Paris
September is a buzzing month in the City of Light. Paris Fashion Week (September 23–October 1) will follow Paris Design Week (September 6–15). The main event, of course, is Maison & Objet. This year, the fair’s theme will be designing for the workplace revolution, with a 1,000-square-meter zone dedicated to office and work-related design ideas.
London
The London Design Fair, which draws 29,000 visitors annually, returns this fall as one of the signature events at the London Design Festival. This year’s edition will feature 550 exhibitors from 40 countries, including Peru, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates. Plus, the renowned Saatchi Gallery will host "I-MADE," an exhibition focused solely on Italian design curated by Giulio Cappellini, who spoke to AD PRO about the project.
Montreal
Around 20,000 visitors are expected to descend on Montreal for the 31st edition of the Salon du Design de Montreal, which takes place September 12–14. Some 300 exhibitors will display their latest and greatest products in eight themed spaces.
Chicago
September is a big month for Chicago as well. On September 19, the Chicago Architecture Biennial will return for its third edition, with free public exhibitions, full-scale installations, and other programming. Expo Chicago—the city’s most important art fair—will take place concurrently at Navy Pier. Architecture fans should plan to visit the Chicago Architecture Center at its new home in a Mies van der Rohe building overlooking the Chicago River. The CAC is offering discounted joint passes to the Architecture Biennial and Expo Chicago with the option to add one of its acclaimed walking tours. If you go, make time to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and Unity Temple, which were just designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Helsinki
Though it still lies in the shadows of Copenhagen and Stockholm, the Finnish capital has quietly emerged as a leader in Nordic design. Helsinki Design Week begins on September 5 and lasts until the 15th. This year’s Helsinki Design Awards will honor Finnish design with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly solutions to climate change.