For Yrjö Sotamaa, being able to visualize ideas, think on a global scale, and bind together different kinds of expertise is an inspiring mix of capabilities that design offers to the world. As he mentions, these competencies are just as important today as they were 40 years ago, which is why we're excited about continuing the discussion at HDL Global 2010.
This was the spirit championed at HDL Global 1968, which Yrjö organized with four other colleagues, including Juhani Pallasmaa and Jaakko Ihamuotila. In this video interview, I met with Yrjö at his home outside of Helsinki to discuss the 1968 event, its lasting impact, and the friendships it fostered between people such as Buckminster Fuller, Victor Ppanek, and Marimekko-founder Armi Ratia.