The Shaman's Haven of the Kalevala / Travis Price

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Text description provided by the architects. Led by American architect and professor, Travis Price, FAIA, the Kalevalakehto / Shaman’s Haven of the Kalevala project was the result of an international exchange among Finnish and American students of architecture, from the Catholic University of America in Washington, and Aalto University in Helsinki. It was designed during a 9-day intensive charette held at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, DC in January 2010, and constructed in Helsinki by the students over 9 days in late August 2010. The design of the installation is inspired by the themes of the Finnish epic Kalevala: the myth of the 7 eggs of the world’s creation, the mysteries of the Sampo as a metaphor for creativity and innovation, and the shape-shifting shamanic character of Väinämöinen, the main character of the Kalevala. Located on Seurasaari, an island near the city center which serves as a nature reserve, and open-air museum of historic wood architecture, the installation will function as a “think tank,” a meeting place for reflection and creative dialogue.