Finland is Cool at the Frankfurt Book Fair
10.03.2014
Master's degree students from Aalto University have designed a Finnish trade fair pavilion and come up with the visual look for the 2014 book fair.
The theme of this year's Frankfurt book fair is Finland. There was a strong desire to visually bring education to the fore via the fair's theme, with students being involved right from the design phase.
The visual look of the book fair, FINNLAND. COOL., is the work of Aalto University graphic design students Jinhee Kim, Anssi Kokkonen and Tommi Leskinen. The 2 300 m2 pavilion area was designed by spatial and furniture design master's students Natalia Baczyńska Kimberley, Nina Kosonen and Matti Mikkilä.
The pavilion design drew inspiration from the FINNLAND. COOL. slogan: the aim of the design was to achieve a calming first impression that, upon closer inspection and advancing through the space, gradually opens up to the visitors. The values of the Finnish library, person-centredness and equality, inspired the design team with regards to the intended atmosphere.
The pavilion is made up of six rings, which reveal their contents, atmosphere, and surprises only once the visitor enters. The exhibits, auditorium stage, and cafe are each situated in their respective ring. The architectural and monumental rings are lightweight and appear to float in the space. The brightness and clean lines of the structures create a calm environment for the contents of the exhibits.
The pavilion is home to the Finnish literature programme at the Frankfurt Book Fair from the 8 to 12 October 2014. The Finnish literature programme begins in German-speaking Europe next week, at the Leipzig Book Fair and continues until the end of the year.
Further information: FILI – Finnish Literature Exchange