Estonian pavilion in Expo Milano 2015 by KTA.

Description of the project by KTA

The title of the Estonian pavilion, “Gallery of _”, symbolises the nature of the entire pavilion and, more broadly, the idea that Estonia is a dynamic and smart small country, with every citizen’s initiative but also every foreign investment, collaboration with international reach and foreign investor affecting how it fares.

“Gallery of __” is an open platform for creative Estonian people, who will fill it with life and content. The architecture of the entire pavilion is created based on the idea that it should create the best conditions for holding various performances, exhibitions, actions and presentations. The pavilion will not be form for form’s sake but rather a framework for content that will bring the building to life.

The philosophy of the pavilion rests on democratic Nordic values that respect every individual’s right to self-expression and creativity. What is more, it as if this is indeed a model of a dynamic democratic small country: how it fares may be influenced by all who are doing something there or who visit there. Collective creative output will be formed, which can be complemented by new ideas and contemporary applications. The final nature of the pavilion will form up with Estonian creative people but also with all the visitors, who will be provided with an experience of Estonia through the collective impact of nature, technology, culture and cuisine.

More broadly, an open platform also means a transparent and flexible business environment that favours new initiatives, as well as responsible connection to global processes. Upon closer inspection, this idea informs all the activities and initiatives that we are proud of in Estonia and that we wish to zoom in on the 2nd floor of the pavilion, in rotating themed exhibitions: a separate exhibition area will be provided on 2nd floor of the pavilion for the focused presentation of innovative companies, e-state solutions, green rural enterprise, rural tourism, creative sectors and fine arts. All presented themes and stories told by us will be intertwined with the pervasive theme at the pavilion: Estonia as a country of nature, creativity and innovation.

The pavilion will be linked to the main theme of the EXPO, “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”, by the green execution of the pavilion and the subsequent recycling of its modules, a food programme paying tribute to organic Estonian raw ingredients and talented chefs, and the permanent exhibition recounting on both the ground floor and 2nd floor, Estonia’s stories born in nature, given a novel form and functionality by means of contemporary technology and design.