Livegreenblog at Expo Milano 2015, Gallery of Estonia

Since Floornature is a media partner of TAB2015, Tallinn Architecture Biennale, there was no way we were going to miss a visit to the Estonian pavilion at Expo Milano 2015. The Gallery of Estonia from this small Baltic nation brimming with initiatives and innovative ideas stimulated us and now we can't wait to visit the country in September!



“Gallery of Estonia” is a pavilion that welcomes visitors and makes them feel right at home - there are no barriers to entry, no doors to pass through like in other pavilions at the World Fair in Milan. Kadarik Tüür Architects has therefore designed a modular, three-level building made from wooden panels, a construction that looks a bit like a stack of “bird nesting boxes”. 
 





Anyone who visits EXPO Milano 2015 with children will have no choice but to stop there. On the ground floor and the first floor are traditional Estonian swings called “kiik” that visitors can use to turn their kinetic energy into electricity. These are a real drawcard for the general public - and not just kids - where you can take a pleasant break as you swing and get a real idea of how much electricity is needed for things you take for granted - like charging your phone. The gallery also has plenty of tasty solid and liquid delights on offer at the Ryebar that offers products based on this traditional Nordic cereal, including craft beer, and on the second floor you can submerge yourself in a green installation that pays tribute to the Estonian nature.





“Gallery of __” is a platform, rather than a classic pavilion - and indeed its open and modular construction is symbolic of some of the democratic principles of Nordic countries, which nurture and respect the rights of every person to express themselves through their creativity. Here, you're not forced to take a certain route, you can wander around at will, follow your interests, get lost in these “nesting boxes”, as you explore the various themes that include food, art, traditional music, and even digital technology that simplifies everyday life, making it less complicated, more effective and as a result more sustainable.





For us it was a delightful taste of what we can expect to enjoy during our trip to Tallinn for TAB2015, where we'll be attending the opening of TAB-Lab (link) to discover a young country full of initiatives for a sustainable future.

Christiane Bürklein

Project: Kadarik Tüür Arhitektid
Authors: Ott Kadarik, Mihkel Tüür, Tanel Trepp, Kristi Tuurmann, Kadri Tamme, Uku-Kristjan Küttis, Kaarel Kala, Alari Orav, Karlo Funk, Ants Uustalu, Helen Sildna.
Location: Expo Milano 2015
Photography: Courtesy of Gallery of Estonia
http://estonia.eu/expo2015/