Spirit of Paimio 2024: Reimagining Community with Global Thought Leaders

The Spirit of Paimio conference returns for its second edition on October 9–10, 2024, at the iconic Paimio Sanatorium in Finland. This year’s theme, “Reimagining Community,” draws inspiration from the groundbreaking work of Alvar and Aino Aalto, whose design principles continue to resonate in today’s society.

The event, curated by Joseph Grima and Mirkku Kullberg, CEO of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, seeks to explore how the Aaltos’ emphasis on togetherness, empathy, and care can influence modern architectural and social practices. Originally designed as a state-of-the-art facility for tuberculosis patients, the Paimio Sanatorium now stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to embody human dignity and social cohesion.

Participants at this year’s conference include an impressive lineup of internationally renowned speakers from diverse fields, who will share their insights on how architecture, technology, and design can collaboratively enhance human well-being.

Among the notable speakers are:

•Bjarke Ingels, the visionary Danish architect and founder of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), celebrated for his innovative and sustainable designs.

•Beatriz Colomina, a leading architectural historian and theorist from Princeton University, known for her profound analyses of modern architecture.

•Carlo Ratti, the influential Italian architect and director of the Senseable City Lab at MIT, who specializes in the intersection of urbanism and technology.

•Dan Hill, a prominent urbanist and Director of the Melbourne School of Design, recognized for his work on future-oriented urban strategies.

•Ersilia Vaudo, an astrophysicist and Chief Diversity Officer at the European Space Agency (ESA), who brings a unique perspective on diversity in science and technology.

The conference will also feature contributions from other leading figures, including creative director Ferninando Verderi, cultural worker George Massoud, and urban resilience expert Loreta Castro Reguera.

This year’s discussions aim to transcend traditional architectural discourse by addressing the broader social implications of design. The event will examine how the principles of the Aaltos can be applied to current global challenges, fostering a deeper sense of community and shared responsibility.