Special Program of Open House Tallinn Focuses on a Better Urban Environment for Everyone

13/09/2024

During Open House Tallinn on October 12-13, architecture enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn more about the field. In addition to free tours in over 40 buildings, there will be several talks and special tours in urban spaces. For the first time, a tour for the visually impaired will be offered, along with tours in Estonian Sign Language.

The talks will take place on the evening of October 12 at Kursi 3, covering a variety of topics. Martin Haamer will focus on what a 15-minute city is and how to achieve it. Kristi Grišakov will discuss green cities, Toomas Paaver’s talk is titled “Existing Spaces as the Foundation for Spatial Creation,” Sille Pihlak will explore wooden architecture, Endrik Mänd will cover 21st-century urban planning, and Elo Kiivet will share how to create a city where everyone can thrive.

This year’s focus is on inclusion and accessibility. For the first time, the Open House Tallinn program includes a descriptive tour for the visually impaired and a sensory tour for sighted individuals. The special tours will take place at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Additionally, there will be tours conducted in Estonian Sign Language. The Open House Tallinn website also features information on wheelchair-accessible tours.

Special tours in the Open House Tallinn program include:
Stories of garages in the Old Town and Kalamaja
Kopli District Tour
Kopli District Children’s Tour
Street Space Tour
Niguliste Church Tour
Indoor Orienteering
Tour of Krulli Quarter’s structures
Tour of the Architecture Institute at Tallinn University of Applied Sciences
Descriptive tour for the visually impaired
Architectural Sensory Tour
Lighting Design Discovery Tour
Lighting Design Workshops

Most tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise indicated. Registration for tours is open through Fienta. Specific tour times can be found on the website. Tours will be in 4 languages: Estonian, English, Russian and Estonian Sign Language. Special tours and talks will primarily be conducted in Estonian.

There is a special children’s tour in the Kopli District for kids and youth. Additionally, there will be a workshop where young participants can learn how to light their bedrooms. While all Open House Tallinn events are free for the public, the limited-seat and in-depth lighting design workshop requires a symbolic fee.

Open House Tallinn 2024 is supported by the European Union, Eesti Kultuurkapital, Tallinna linn, Rockwool, Ruukki, Reterra, Laufen, Penosil, Endover, Kingivabrik and Raba. Open House Tallinn is part of the Open House Worldwide network.

Open House Tallinn is part of the Open House Europe collaboration project, co-funded by the European Union.