Oulu is European Capital of Culture in 2026
Proto’s Design Programme for Oulu2026 sometimes speaks volumes, at other times challenges, and invites you to react loudly. At all times it invites you to participate.
Oulu School — A unique attitude towards architecture in Oulu
Attitude counts. Proto — Designers of Northern Finland and Association of Architects in Northern Finland together with their partners are taking a fresh look into Oulu School, a special attitude towards regional architecture in 1970’s to 1990’s.
Lets Play! No matter what your age is you are welcome to design your own environment
Proto and Finnish Association of Design Learning with their partners organise design workshops for all ages through spring 2026. The exciting outcomes are on display in Pikisaari in the summer, and come autumn a real play environment will develop.
Ordinary design stories. Everyday is best and design is making it better.
Best in Finnish design is constantly improving design of everyday. Better everyday design is not sold in luxury boutiques for the few but in super markets for everyone as has been done for decades already. It is all about ordinary design stories.
A unique 1,000 meter tablecloth – Design for an all time summer night dinner in August 2026
The 1,000 metre tablecloth is the outcome of the design project between Proto designers and students at China Academy of Art, created for the grand dinner in August 2026 to celebrate Oulu2026 year and to honour the Sister Cities Hangzhou and Oulu.