Book Fair pavilion brings Finns together in Frankfurt
07.10.2014
This year, the theme of the world's largest book and media fair is Finland. The pavilion that serves as a home base for the Finnish exhibitors has been designed by Aalto University students. Aalto is also one of the publishers on display at this year's Frankfurt Book Fair.
The pavilion area was designed by master's students in spatial and furniture design Natalia Baczyńska Kimberley, Nina Kosonen, and Matti Mikkilä, who drew inspiration from the slogan of this year's fair: FINNLAND. COOL. 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 six rings, which reveal their unique 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 creates a calm environment for the contents of the exhibits.
New Aalto University publications showcased
This year is the fifth time that the Aalto ARTS Books publishing house will be represented at the Frankfurt Book Fair in the Finnish exhibit. For the first time, other academic publishers from Finland will also be represented at the Fair.
Some of the latest Aalto University publications will be showcased, such as the new edition of Professor Pekka Korvenmaa's book, Finnish Design. Korvenmaa's book, co-published with the Victoria & Albert Museum (UK), represents the first time that Aalto ARTS Books' has collaborated internationally. Professor Korvenmaa's involvement in this year's Book Fair also extends to the Fair's design-themed forum, organised by Design Forum Finland.
Representing the works of photographers at Aalto University's, the Helsinki School is set to launch its 20-year anniversary book at the Fair. This celebratory book consists of essays and portfolios highlighting the history of the Helsinki School. The book also offers a glimpse into the future and the ways in which the members of the School are changing the face of photography. The book includes more than 200 photographs and entries from some of the most influential photographic curators in Europe.
Aalto ARTS Books will attend the Frankfurt Book Fair 8—12 October 2014 and can be found at the Finnish publishers' area 5.0 A79.
This year's Finnish theme will see a broad range of Finnish publishers in attendance, a full literary programme, the 2,300 m2 FINNLAND.COOL pavilion, and many other cultural events. This year's event, the largest ever collection of Finnish cultural exhibits, has been coordinated by FILI – Finnish Literature Exchange.