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At Rueko Studio, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to enhance our skills and stay at the forefront of design innovation. That’s why we were thrilled to be part of the 2023 Legal Design Summit, which was held at the prestigious University of Helsinki on 14 & 15 September 2023. This two-day event was not only a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow but also an excuse to immerse ourselves in the captivating City of Helsinki.

Exploring Legal Design Excellence

The Legal Design Summit is a unique gathering that brings together professionals, designers, and legal experts from all corners of the globe to discuss the intersection of law and design. This year’s event featured a stellar lineup of speakers who shared their insights and experiences in the world of legal design.

Two of the standout speakers were Marco Imperiale (founder and managing director of Better Ipsum), who spoke about The Beauty in Legal Design – From Leonardo to 21st Century Human Centrism, and Stefania Passera (founder of Passera Design) who took us through Contract Design Mythbusting.

Another highlight was the panel discussion featuring leading legal practitioners who have successfully integrated design principles into their work. Their stories and practical advice were inspiring, emphasising that legal design isn’t just a trend but a transformative approach to improving the legal experience for everyone.

The Beauty of Helsinki

Beyond the enriching summit, we couldn’t help but fall in love with the enchanting City of Helsinki itself. Nestled along the shores of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a city that seamlessly marries design and nature. The cityscape boasts a harmonious blend of modern architecture and lush green spaces, and it’s no wonder that Helsinki consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities.

Where Design Meets Nature

Helsinki’s commitment to design is evident everywhere you look. The city’s design district is a treasure trove of creativity, featuring boutiques, galleries, and workshops that celebrate the art of design. From classic Finnish design icons to contemporary innovations, Helsinki is a haven for design enthusiasts.

The city’s commitment to sustainability and green spaces is also remarkable. We found ourselves strolling through parks and along the waterfront, marvelling at how nature and design coexist harmoniously. It’s clear that Helsinki’s design ethos extends beyond aesthetics and into the very fabric of urban planning and environmental consciousness.

A Culinary Journey

No trip to Helsinki would have been complete without savouring its culinary delights. Finnish cuisine is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and we indulged in mouthwatering dishes that showcased the region’s flavours. From crunchy fried vendace (muikku) to the unique flavours of reindeer meatballs, Helsinki’s food scene left us with a taste of Nordic excellence.

Our journey to the 2023 Legal Design Summit in Helsinki was an enriching experience that deepened our understanding of legal design’s significance and immersed us in the creative and natural beauty of this captivating city.

We return to South Africa inspired and motivated to apply the principles of design we’ve learned to our work, ensuring that we continue to provide our clients with innovative and user-friendly legal solutions.

Helsinki, with its charm, culture, and design-centric lifestyle, has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we can’t wait to explore more of this enchanting city in the future.