Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design

The Mythic Modern now available!

2012-01-05T06:40:00.000-08:00

The time has arrived! Travis Price's new book about the backstory and theory of The Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design, The Mythic Modern, is now available for sale on Amazon and arrives in bookstores on February 14th. The book provides a beautiful narrative of the history of the project from its conception until our most recent Nepal expedition. The pictures are gorgeous and the text meaningful, inspiring and provocative. I can't wait to get my paws on one and read it from cover to cover.

2012 Location announced!

2011-12-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

Travis Price has just returned from scouting the Spirit of Place 2012 project site in, drumroll please.......FLORENCE, ITALY! The project will be an international memorial to commemorate Amerigo Vespucci, the Florentine explorer for whom America was named. In July-August 2012, the Spirit of Place team will build the project at the Renaissance-era Belvedere fortress (seen above) overlooking the city of Florence and the Duomo.

If you'd like to become involved with Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design by participating in the build or contributing to this great cause, email Kathleen Lane at kathleen@travispricearchitects.com. To read about our last build in Nepal, click here. You can donate by clicking on the "Donate" icon above right.

Stay tuned for more news!

Winners!

2011-10-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Wonderful news! The Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design Finland and Nepal projects were both selected for design awards from the American Institute of Architects/DC Chapter. The Kalevalakehto of 2010 in Helsinki, Finland received an Award of Merit for Architecture and the Memorial to the Ancestors in Namje-Thumki, Nepal of this year received the highest award, the Award of Excellence in Architecture. Congrats to the Spirit of Place -Spirit of Design team!

Continue following along as we prepare for our next adventure in 2012!

Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design Nepal 2011 time elapse

2011-09-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

You are invited! "Design Story Tales"

2011-09-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to a wonderful series of events including a fantastic evening with your architect/design friends at Travis Price Architects. This series of unique evenings described by photographer Ken Wyner as "Design Story Tales" will be spent with some of Washington's finest architects, designers and entrepreneurs.

Monday, September 19, 2011

National American Institute of Architects

Travis Price will present his newest book, The Mythic Modern

RSVP ken@kenwyner.com

Post-build interview with Evan

2011-07-28T01:32:00.001-07:00

2011-07-22T09:23:00.001-07:00

Nearing the end.

in ArchDaily

2011-07-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design made it into ArchDaily. Check it out here.

9th and final work day video

2011-06-27T03:26:00.000-07:00

But don't think this is all, we still have celebration day

Day 8 in video

2011-06-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Day 7 in video

2011-06-23T03:05:00.000-07:00

Internet finally started to work so I spent most of the day down with the ladies after the community women's meeting and not up with the students on site, though you'll see how the students ended their day.

Day 6 in video

2011-06-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Day 9 on site

2011-06-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

The landscaping was installed on the final day of construction along the beautiful rock paths surrounding the memorial. Hydrangeas, which grow plentifully in the area, lined the borders.

The reflecting grave to the open skies is immediately put to use.

Butter lamps kept in the niches.

The day ended with a game of volleyball: Nepali vs. Americans but ended up a blend of the two teams, no score kept, though competition was fierce.

Day 5 in video

2011-06-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

Day 8 on site

2011-06-19T05:28:00.000-07:00

And we're back in our respective homes and ironically enough, the internet has been out ever since arriving back. Go figure! There's still a bit to report on so be on the lookout for how the memorial wraps up. Believe me, you'll want to see the beautiful closing celebration.

Day 8 began to see the wrap up of the project. With an added fire pit made of stone and finished in slate, the memorial can now be used as a destination and resting place for visitors. The glass was installed on the grave and the inside painted black to symbolize the void looking in and the reflection to the heavens looking up. The locals created pathways and prepped the area for the landscaping.

4th day in video

2011-06-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Day 7 on site

2011-06-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Day 7 saw the near completion of the flooring. The slate tiles were laid down while Karna, the master mason, carefully cut the pieces down to form a perfect puzzle piece grid. With extra materials, a fire pit was conceived with stone and slate.

Our daily transport from our hotels in nearby Bhedatar to the site in Namje:

School children from a local village dropped by for the afternoon and formed an assembly line to bring more rock up while singing their favorite tunes.

The fire pit:

Third day video

2011-06-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm still catching up from the chronology of the videos so please bear with me.

We spent the day in nearby Bhaktapur visiting the beautiful and plentiful temples and royal palaces before heading to a reception at the US Ambassador's, Scott H. DeLisi, residence.

2nd day video

2011-06-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

We arrived back to Kathmandu yesterday after a beautiful and rainy inaugural celebration for the memorial to the ancestors of Namje Thumki. The village planned a beautiful ceremony complete with song and dance and even handed out certificates and beautiful gurkha knives to all the participants. More on the celebration once the chronological posts line up. Yesterday we spent the day at Tamal, a touristy shopping district where it's just as much bargaining as it is to look. We also had wonderful tour of the Odegard rug factory where we were shown the full process, from raw silk/wool to beautiful finished rug. Today we toured Patan and its immaculate museum which provided us with a more in-depth view of the spiritual culture of the area. This afternoon we attended a speaker series at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk in Lalitpur hosted by Spaces magazine where Travis spoke about Spirit of Place and Professor Sudarshan Raj Tiwari from the Institute spoke about the meaning of spaces of the sacred sites of ancient Kathmandu, followed by a tour of the architecture facilities.

Day 6 on site

2011-06-10T02:36:00.000-07:00

The walls were set in place and finally the glass to cover the grave placed in the middle of the memorial arrived. It took ten guys to carry it up the mountain to the site. Meanwhile, the students were, ahem, lucky enough to help carry the slate up to the site. One by one. By one. A challenge presented itself when the team had to figure out how to drain water from the glass to the edges of the slate tile. Below, the locals unboard the extremely heavy piece of glass.

The slate tiles that the students carried up.

Travis laying out the tile to see check out the configuration.

The stone surrounding the glass will be jagged and will be quite the feat if walked upon to gaze into the reflection of the glass/ancestors.

First day on the job

2011-06-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Internet has been installed in the village of Thumki at the women's co-op. It's the only internet available to the people in the whole region for the present and no doubt will open up the world to them and allow us to keep in contact with our new friends once we leave. Take a look at our work from the first day.

Day 5 of building

2011-06-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

After a cow-killing monsoon that felt like we were trapped in a war zone, the electricity went out for two days and we're just getting back up and running again. That didn't put a hold on construction, however. Day five brought us the start and near finish of the inner layer of the stone walls. Lots of pouring and mixing of concrete, and laying of stones. The Namje villagers continue to bring supplies like stones and sand via baskets on their backs. It's quite the sight. And in sandals no less! Working side by side with the villagers has definitely brought the spirit of the place to life.

We received a special visit from some monks from Dharan who evaluated the site then spent anhour in meditation.

The local children like to impress us with their English. "Hi, how are you?" "What is your name?"

The niches at the top of the walls can hold butter candles.

Opening dance ceremony

2011-06-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

We arrived to the village of Namje and were greeted by the amazing locals who created quite the entertainment. It felt like the Nutcracker watching the different dances from the surrounding villages.

Day 4 on site

2011-06-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

Day 4 brought the end of the outer walls and the start of the inner. The bamboo scaffolding construced was just as beautiful as the structure itself. first they created a space through the stone then laid perpendicular bamboo pieces alongside the wall with wood planks on top. 6" niches were created in each wall to hold a butter candle or buddha. By this time, the students had figured out the rhythm of laying the stone masonry.

Greeting from the village

2011-06-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

Nearly in tears.

Day 3 on site

2011-06-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

For more photos and videos check our Facebook site and YouTube channel.

Day two on site

2011-06-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

For more photos and videos, check out our Facebook and YouTube sites.

Below, is what we arrived to on the second day of construction. The first day is always a big learning curve as the students are taught how to build and slowly get the hang of it. We also experienced major internet difficulties as, silly us, thought that we could use the internet connection usb's we previously bought in Kathmandu on the top of a mountain in faraway Namje. With the help of Rajeev Goyal, the former Peace Corps worker in the village and major lightening force behind the water pump projects and permaculture farm, the internet has now been brought to the village as of two hours ago and surely will change it forever. The second day brought an upward climb to the 7 feet walls we were trying to finish by the end of the day, but it took a bit longer since they were also fitting in a 6" niche to each wall for future buddhas or candles.

Day one of site

2011-06-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

For more photos and videos, check out our Facebook and YouTube sites.

The first work day now seems ages ago since we have now put up the walls that started as the little stubs you see below. The master mason, pictured below, oversees the meticulous placement of the stones with a system that confirms that each stone is properly placed. There are 8 exterior walls surrounding this base and eight smaller interior walls surrounding the grave, or portal, in the center made of glass with the intent that you can look in to see a dark pit to remember the ancestors who have been buried here yet also reflect into the sky to look forward to the future. The Namje villagers quickly taught the students how to lay the stones, mix and pour the concrete into the stones so that the walls were half way built by the end of the day.

Local women deliver the stones via basket.

The surrounding villages.

The grave.

Site models

2011-06-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

The site is coming along quite well and we are slightly ahead of schedule.We're glad for the extra time to prepare us for the possible rains that seem to come and go as they please. Here are a few pictures of the computer-generated model of the memorial to the ancestors, which pretty soon will come to life.

Update: We're here!

2011-06-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Spirit of Place followers! We've arrived in Namje to a king's welcome. A greeting from the whole village complete with dances and song. Building started today and it's going well. Unfortunately, our internet situation is not quite what we expected so I sit typing from the only internet accessed locale: the local cell phone tower on the highest mountain here. And yes, Travis and I made the trek up. I'll have pictures/video to show once we figure out how to get everything working, but in the mean time, please know that everyone is well and working hard (besides no hot water and huge spiders!). And please check the Facebook site to for updates.

Student bio: Ashley Marshall

2011-06-02T03:53:00.000-07:00

I first got involved in with Spirit of place as an undergrad in my Junior year at Catholic. I participated in the designing of the James Hoban Memorial, however, due to scheduling conflicts I was unable to make the trip. This time around, from the day I got accepted into Grad school at Catholic University I said I was going on the next Spirit of Place trip wherever it was to! Designing things and building them thats what got me into Architecture. When I was younger I was the girl that always wanted to help with the latest renovations my family was making to their house, actually building something that you design rather have someone else build it or it just sit in drawing form is an amazing feeling! And this project in Nepal, not only exposes us to the building aspect of our profession but the culture of the people and how the two are intertined. You learn by doing, I graduated with my B.S. Arch in 2009 from Catholic but it wasn't until I got my job that everything that I have learned cam together, this Nepal trip can only enhance that knowledge! Travel the world and study Architecture, count me in! I only hope that when I Gratuate with my M.Arch in 2012 I will still be able to be apart of these amazing projects!

pics from the day

2011-05-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

First day in Kathmandu: A few scenes

2011-05-31T06:23:00.001-07:00

Where there are more temples than people. And how you can see how.

Qatar: An architect's playground

2011-05-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

As architecture students, Qatar couldn't be a better classroom. On one side of the street you see American fast food chains and the other a Jean Nouvel tower. It's a great lesson in what to do and what not to do, I suppose. We got a fantastic tour of the city today before leaving for Kathmandu where I now type from. Our tour guide was quite proud to show us the palatial residential and commercial developments that they hope will drive in the masses. We also learned that they provide newly married couples with an interest free loan and $250,000 to start their family, so maybe we just might end up here with those masses.

IM Pei's Museum of Islamic Art. Gorgeous collection and exhibitions. Animated tour guide included.

First stop: Qatar

2011-05-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

And we're here! After a 12 hour flight we've arrived to sweltering heat here in Qatar. We weren't expecting to arrive to such familiar places:

We enjoyed a beautiful dinner at the market, Souq Qaqif.

And now we're off to explore some other beauties today before our flight to Kathmandu later. See you soon!

And we're off!

2011-05-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sayonara folks! We're off to find some Spirit of Place adventures. First stop, Doha. See you tomorrow! And don't forget to check out our Facebook group site or add as a friend here. I'll be adding photos/videos as we go along so make sure to check in!

Take a look at these Nepalese students from the village. Darling!

Human remains

2011-05-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just never know what your shovel will dig up. Human bones were found on the site of the memorial as the local craftsmen continue work on the base of the memorial, no doubt a reminder of the great work they are doing. 1 more day until the students take off to Qatar then off to Nepal!

Student bio: Kristyn McKenzie

2011-05-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Kristyn with her poetic models

Hi my name is Kristyn McKenzie. I am a graduate student studying architecture at Catholic University. Participating in the Spirit of Place class is an experience I have been waiting for throughout my academic architecture career. Finally being able to do so is truly an opportunity of a lifetime especially since it is taking place in Nepal. I feel that seeing the project from the metaphor inspiration stage all the way through to the final reveal and celebration will make me even more proud to be in the field of architecture. I am most looking forward to working with the people from the village and being immersed into their culture. I am very excited to have this opportunity to meet new friends.

6 more days!

2011-05-24T11:47:00.001-07:00

Guess what?

Thanks Evan!

pouring the foundation

2011-05-17T11:14:00.001-07:00

13 more days until we're there!

Student bio: Allie Steimel

2011-05-16T11:56:00.001-07:00

Allie with her poetic model

Time to spotlight our students! First up, meet Allie Steimel.

"I am approaching the end of my first year of graduate school for architecture at Catholic University. I've always been interested in the spiritual and cultural aspect of architecture as well as the human experience, so that's what drove me to choose Cultural Studies/Sacred Space as my concentration. I'm very excited to be traveling to Nepal this summer for the Spirit of Place project! Through the project, I hope to gain a better knowledge of construction, as well as a better understanding of the Nepali culture."

Student bio: Miguel Castro

2011-05-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Miguel with his poetic model

A bit of good fortune landed Miguel in the right place at the right time to participate in this year's Spirit of Place--Nepal.

I became involved with Spirit of Place randomly. I had to choose an architectural elective to take to finish off my final semester here at CUA as a graduating senior, and this was one that seemed the most interesting, I wasn't aware that it was going to be a mini studio I would be taking on the side, but once I learned that the project we would take part in designing will actually be built and in Nepal, I could not help but be more interested in the course.

I was never aware at a young age that I had a deep connection with architecture. I remember being interested in architectural drawings (primarily section and plan drawings) and actually understanding space through these drawings alone. In high school I took a drafting class that eventually made me want to pursue it once I graduated.

I am taking a year off of studies for now. I plan to travel to Peru for a few months and explore the places I haven't seen or visited. If that doesn't go through, I will be looking for a job. Then, I plan to go to grad school after this year.

How many times in my life will I be able to go to Nepal? How often am I going to be able to say that I took part in a design and construction of a building in another part of the world? Nepal is going to quite an experience not only architecturally but culturally.

I have no clue about construction. I do know how to get rid of that blinking 12:00 light on old school vcr's and cable boxes...if that helps in anyway.

Digging

2011-05-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

The team prepares the site by digging out the foundation before pouring the concrete in for the ancestor memorial on Namje Hill before we arrive. And somehow, they look like they are having a great time!

the locals

2011-05-10T04:09:00.000-07:00

We're lucky enough to work with local artisans and builders on the site in a few weeks. Right now they are busy preparing the foundation for when we arrive. We can't wait to meet them and get cracking!

soiling and puja

2011-05-09T02:41:00.000-07:00

We have less than 30 days before we start construction and we have some great progress taking place. Our Nepal counterparts have finished preparing the stepped footing, lined with gravel made by hand by village women. Next up, setting the rebar and pouring the concrete. They are currently gathering all the concrete materials from all the surrounding villages. On top of that, the village shamans performed a puja for the work and health of all those involved. We're well on our way!

Support Spirit of Place

2011-04-21T04:50:00.000-07:00

The primary goals of Spirit of Place / Spirit of Design is to promote cultural preservation and environmental stewardship through architectural and artistic design. The success and demand for this program invites expansion. The broader agenda for the future of Spirit of Place / Spirit of Design reflects the growing needs for the changing realities of our environmental and cultural concerns. The SPSD educational program intends to accomodate the growing number of students who express interest in the program, including participation from national and international universities, as well as primary education schools.

In conjunction with continued student education, the specific tasks of SPSD are to:

increase the number of annual expeditions and the cultural diversity of venues
increase the number of student participants and decrease the program expense for students
promulgate the SPSD syllabus for national, international, and high school institutions
increase public education through web sites, publications, television, lectures, and symposiums
publish a design critique for SPSD

As a non profit 501C-3 organization, your tax exempt contributions are gratefully welcome. Click here to contribute click on the "donate" button on the left.

Our first newspaper coverage

2011-04-13T10:38:00.001-07:00

Long over-due update! The participants are busy designing their ode to Nepal but in the mean time, feast upon the faint image of Travis Price in full attire as he is welcomed in the village at a ceremony in Namje. But of course, you could tell that from the headline right?

in Namje

2011-01-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

Travis Price on his recent trip to Nepal checking out the site: "Walking the middle mountains of Nepal in Namje. Cold, stunning, and in shaman time."

Travis update from Nepal

2011-01-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

"The photo above of us at the site are local villagers, builders, and plantsmen. Also is Kathleen Lane, Rajeev Goyal, Priyanka Bistra, and Stephanie Odegard of Odegard Carpets. I'm somewhere, in my mind at least! A formidable team!“

Travis just returned from his latest adventures to Nepal and Doha:

"Happy New Year!!!! We have been at 6000 ft in a Magar Village, no heat, cold, but heavily layered. Stunning views of the Himalaya and amazing shaman ceremonies as well as helping villagers with development designs for homes and farms. The entire village greeted us with a host of 5 Shamans singing and sacrificing chickens in dancing ceremonies........ amazing."

Travis also dished that the theme for this year's Spirit of Place in Nepal will be Magar Culture of Nepal "Memorial to the Ancestors." At this point, I'm just as clueless as you, but I absolutely cannot wait to find out what all this means!

STAY TUNED!

The site of Spirit of Place 2011 mentioned in The New Yorker

2011-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Peter Hessler talks about Rajeev Goyal, a young activist and former Peace Corps volunteer, and his successful water-pump project in eastern Nepal. Hessler's portrayal compares the streets of Washington, DC to that of Namje village, the site of Spirit of Place 2011. It provides a perspective on the history of his involvement to the area and will be of utmost importance to us as he introduces us to the area. Read more here and the full article here. You can also listen to an audio clip of Hessler here.

Travis Price in Home & Design

2010-12-07T23:49:00.000-08:00

Founder of Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design, Travis Price, is featured on the cover of the architecture issue of Home & Design. If you're in the DC area, go get yourself a copy or read about it here. The beautiful home for Steve Salop and Judy Gelman overlooking the Potomac River pays homage to the natural elements of the site including the rising earth and clouds. It is divided into two parts, which the owners have nicknamed Terminal A and B because of the similarity of Dulles Airport by Saarinen.

The interiors are softened with warm woods by Thos. Moser and lots of built-in storage to keep the place clutter-free care of interior designer Barbara Hawthorne. Price says, "The home isn't sterile like the Bauhaus, but is full of natural rhythms. This is modern architecture with soul." That pretty much sums up Price's work.

Photos by Kenneth Wyner.

Announcing...Nepal!

2010-12-03T03:38:00.000-08:00

Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design 2011 has been selected: NEPAL. We are joining forces with an established consortium of ongoing humanitarian and education programs in the Namje and Thumki villages of eastern Nepal. These remote villages comprise a rural and disenfranchised Magar community with a traditional agrarian economy, craft and building heritage, and cultural identity that is under threat due to rapid globalization. Take a look:

Since 2001, international Peace Corps volunteers have worked closely with village residents, and several international grassroots organizations and NGOs including Greening Villages Movement, Greening Schools Movement, Living Earth Institute, and the Phul Maya Foundation. Projects have included new school construction, clean water infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture education.

Beginning in January 2011, undergraduate and graduate architecture students from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC will explore the culture, history, and ecology of a village site and develop the design for the ‘legacy marker’ which will be built with local Nepali builders and village residents in summer 2011. In addition, the students will explore and envision models for schools, libraries, guest houses, and other rural community spaces through a full-semester studio, which, can be built in future phases within this community and/or other parts of Nepal.

Nepal is undergoing an extremely rapid and haphazard phase of modernization as a result of globalization. Hundreds of villages are losing their cultural identity in the transformation into concrete communities, as there are few demonstrations of alternative visions and ideas for architecture and community space. Not only will Spirit of Place build this spiritual marker (which will reflect the Magar cultural heritage of Nepal), but students will also design models and renderings for schools, libraries, community spaces and other structures which could have an echoing effect across the region, helping to protect and promote the cultural heritage and environmental spaces. It is a highly unique educational opportunity that will create a new force to preserve the spirit of Namje and Thumki for the future.

Spirit of Place/Spirit of Design will bring students from schools of architecture and design, all from different countries of the world, to design the project during the spring 2011 semester at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Following a January site visit to the villages for planning and consultation with community residents, Spirit of Place program instructors will lead the students into an immersion of Nepali and Magar history, culture, in order to design an evocative space to reflect and celebrate the spirit of the unique site.

During the design process, students will develop metaphoric designs based upon Nepali culture and mythology, expressed in a modern idiom in a variety of media. The students then create their own poetic and sculptural interpretations, and then further refine these into detailed architectural models: both physical and in electronic media, as well as in working construction drawings. Opportunities for public exhibits of the student design work will be sought in Washington and in Nepal.

In summer 2011, the students will be joined by local artisans to construct the Spirit of Place installation in Nepal in 9 days.

The impact of this education on the students is invaluable and life-changing. Their study of the history of Nepali architecture and the importance of religious and cultural metaphor in creating the historical architecture will enable them to be a part of creating a new international architectural language. Additionally, the students will focus on exploring appropriate technology, local architectural techniques, and conservation practices for construction. A significant goal is to learn about designing architecture that is environmentally benign in a modern world without losing cultural history and authenticity. Subsequently, a record of vanishing Nepali architectural design and building techniques will be preserved hand in hand with the emerging design idioms.

New Models for Culturally Responsive Design: Benefit to the Villages of Namje and Thumki

Currently, global architecture, especially in Nepal, has become a sprawling and misguided landscape of construction in search of a soul. Modern development is severely lacking not only in ecological responsibility and historical literacy, but more importantly in Nepal, the reinforcement of its sacred cultural metaphors. Globally, we are witnessing a rapid exhaustion of ecological and cultural resources. Even more disconcerting, new construction is taking its toll on the human spirit, the rich ancestry of indigenous peoples, and their sacred geographies. There is a compelling need in our emerging global culture to develop and record a new aesthetic archetype that speaks to these issues. The Spirit of Place building expeditions have continually sought remedies to this cultural and environmental problem for over fifteen years.

This year, the benefit to the Nepalese villages of Namje and Thumki of our expedition is manifold. Building an improved design alternative based upon their historical architecture is crucial to avoiding the pitfalls of soulless modern construction currently rampant in Nepal. The project at its core is developing an innovative modern architectural language for Nepal based on its sacred past. In addition, local Nepalese will be working side by side with an emerging generation of American architects. Both groups will be learning from each other during the experience. More importantly, this expedition ensures that a built project will be left behind as a clear icon. As a design critique with its built manifestation, the project will be a clear milestone of change for others to emulate and from which to measure the built progress of the future.

STAY TUNED!

Kalevalakehto in Metropolis magazine

2010-11-11T07:17:00.000-08:00

3 months later and still making headlines. Way to go SOP team!

Kalevalakehto at night

2010-09-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

You think it's gorgeous in the day, this one proves she's a looker at all hours of the day with the addition of a few peripheral candles.

Kalevalakehto poetic

2010-09-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

Poetic poem created during the 9 day charette in January at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, DC. Pictures depict the opening ceremony on August 26, 2010.

What's this Kalevala you speak of?

2010-09-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

New to Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design? What in the world is the Kalevala we've been incessantly posting about? Fear no more, Kalevala 101 to your rescue. We were lucky enough to get a hold of the text from the curator from the Ateneum Art Museum's fabulous Kalevala exhibition last year to answer all of your Kalevala related questions and then some. For more information feel free to visit the Kalevala Society fantastic webpage. Browse around and once you've soaked it all in, ask yourself, "What's MY kalevala?" You can find this permanent post by clicking on this link.

About the Kalevala
(source: Kalevala Exhibition at the Ateneum Art Museum, 2009)

ENGLISH WALL TEXTS BY RIITTA OJANPERÄ, CURATOR OF THE EXHIBITION)

The Kalevala was published for the first time in 1835 and in a revised edition in 1849. The publisher was the Finnish Literature Society, which promoted the collection of old folk poetry.

Finnish rune-singing has a tradition going back over 2000 years. The poems are in a distinctive alliterative four-beat metre (trochaic tetrameter) that came to be known as 'Kalevala metre'.

They were sometimes sung to a kantele accompaniment. The ancient singing tradition was strong throughout the country up to the 16th century but began to weaken after the Reformation.

Elias Lönnrot gathered some of the poems together to form a single epic narrative. The result was a story with a continuous plot, held together in places with new additions.

When the Kalevala was published, Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire. Right from the start, the work played a major role in strengthening the standing of the Finnish language and culture. The Kalevala began to be thought of as the country's national epic, and its publication aroused immediate interest abroad, too. To date, it has been translated into over 60 languages.

The Kalevala story begins with a description of the creation of the world and ends at the beginning of a new cultural era, when Christianity reaches Finland. It describes mythical events, the battles and heroic deeds

of two warring clans, the peoples of Kalevala and Pohjola.

The Kalevala has inspired artists in many disciplines. Its stories have been turned into not only visual art but also opera, comic strips, heavy rock, poetry, prose, drama and dance.

KARELIANISM

Towards the end of the 19th century, Finns began to be interested in their own ancient history. Elias Lönnrot and other scholars had collected folk poetry from parts of Finnish and Russian Karelia.

In the 1890s, especially, artists and academics visited the same regions, finding people in remote villages who could still sing the old poems. Overall, this movement is described as Karelianism.

Artists were fascinated by the concept of a primeval Kalevala culture and of its close link between man and nature. It was also believed that the prime sources of 'Finnishness' could be found in the rune-singing,

way of life, buildings and objects still to be found in Karelia.

One of the first artists to visit Karelia, in summer 1890, was Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Other artistic Karelianists included the photographer I. K. Inha, artist Louis Sparre, sculptor Emil Wikström, composer Jean Sibelius and writers Eino Leino and Juhani Aho. They had all studied in art centres on the Continent where, like many of their European contemporaries, they embraced the dream of an unspoiled 'natural' way of life

160 years of artistic interpretations

forging of the Sampo

The revised edition of the ancient folk poems that make up the Kalevala was published in 1849. From then on, subjects from the epic were to play an important role in Finnish visual art right up to the present.

Naturally enough, the Kalevala's popularity as an artistic source has experienced ups and downs. Artists' interpretations over the years also reflect changes in taste, artistic movements, and current expectations

and apprehensions. Certain Kalevala images have become great cultural icons.

The Kalevala elements in art are a one symbol of what it means to be Finnish. They are representations of the bond between people and natural forces, great emotions and adventures, mysticism and tragedy.

The sections of this exhibition deal with myths, tales of heroic deeds, and turning points in human life.

Similar universal themes can be found in the legends and mythologies of many cultures. They strike a chord with all of us, whatever our nationality.

I. VÄINÄMÖINEN PLAYING

Väinämöinen playing the kantele

Väinämöinen playing the kantele was the most popular subject in the earliest Kalevala art. All of creation gathers round to hear the sage's spellbinding music.

The compiler of the Kalevala, Elias Lönnrot, turned the traditional kantele into the symbol at the heart of the epic. Väinämöinen's kantele represents both creativity and the social significance and power of art.

The story of the creation of the kantele is one of the oldest of all Kalevala myths. It was built first from the great jawbone of a huge pike and later from birch wood. Its strings were hairs from a young girl's head. At the end of the epic Väinämöinen goes away, leaving his kantele behind for later generations.

In the 19th century, with the aid of Väinämöinen, the Finns started to build a distinctively Finnish culture.

The same theme also recurs later in socially critical art.

II. BIRTHS

Myths about the creation of the earth explain events at the beginning of time. The main feminine birth stories

take place in the first and last cantos of the Kalevala.

At the beginning, Ilmatar, Virgin of the Air, descends into the primeval sea and is made pregnant by the wind.

A scaup makes a nest on her knee and the eggs hatch into earth, sky, sun, moon and stars. Ilmatar creates fishing grounds and seashores. Later, she gives birth to Väinämöinen.

The end of the Kalevala makes references to the arrival of Christianity. Marjatta becomes pregnant from a lingonberry and gives birth to a son.

Iron is created in the breasts of three Luonnotars (Daughters of Creation). From there it flows into the ground and lies hidden in a peat bog.

III. THE SMITH WHO FORGES THE HEAVENS AND THE SAMPO

Ilmarinen

At the beginning of the world, Ilmarinen the smith forges the heavens and sets the heavenly bodies in place. He also knows the spells needed to create fire and how to release iron from the earth for the use of man.

His ambitions test the very limits of the possible.

Of Ilmarinen's deeds, the most frequently depicted by artists is the forging of the Sampo. This was intended as a gift for the mistress of Pohjola, whose daughter was sought in marriage by Ilmarinen. Ilmarinen used simple materials to devise a magic mill that would yield its owner good fortune, riches and power for ever.

The Kalevala' s Sampo has come to be the symbol of Finnish well-being. Even so, we do not know just what the Sampo is, or even what it looks like. The problem has prompted endless interpretations, learned debate and literature ever since the early 19th century.

IV. THE RIVER OF TUONELA

Stories about frontiers between this world and the next are common to world myths. In Greek mythology, Orpheus the lyre-player visited the Underworld and returned safely. Väinämöinen, too, visits Tuonela, the Kalevala's Underworld, to get the three vital words missing from his boat-building spell, and also gets back to his own world.

The story of Lemminkäinen is one the most moving in the Kalevala and the survival tale that has inspired artists most. The great adventurer dies when he encounters the swan, holy bird of the river of Tuonela. His mother sets off in search of him, and with a great rake draws Lemminkäinen's body to the river bank.

Nature comes to the grieving mother's aid when a bee fetches healing honey with which she anoints him to bring him back to life.

The River of Tuonela

V. FINNISH ILLUSTRATORS

The Kalevala has been illustrated in many different ways over the ages. In the late 19th century, Louis Sparre aimed at naturalism, basing his costumes and implements on historical findings. Matti Visanti worked in a modernist spirit. His works make references to nature mysticism and sometimes also to theosophical interpretations of the Kalevala.

The clashes and battles depicted by Erkki Tanttu and Aarno Karimo reflect a view of the Kalevala imbued by nationalist ideals. Their reading converts the work into Finland's heroic epic. Tapio Tapiovaara's illustrations in turn reflect a Leftist and Marxist interpretation.

Aleksander Lindeberg's illustrations are an example of the highly stylized approach of the 1960s. Björn Landström and Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin approach the epic as a land of fairytale. Hannu Väisänen, in turn, bases himself on the structure of the poetry. The four-foot metre and repeated eight-syllable rhythm are represented through eight items or objects.

VI. LIGHT AND DARK, THE TREE OF LIFE

Light – the essential for growth and life. At the beginning of the Kalevala an enormous oak blots out the sun, but is felled by a man who rises from the sea to Väinämöinen's aid. Later, Louhi the mistress of Pohjola imprisons the moon and sun deep in the rock, but is forced to release them so that life can go on.

Trees are important in the Kalevala. A great fir tree flies Ilmarinen to Pohjola to wooLouhi's daughter and forge the Sampo. The holy rowan is inviolate and its branches must not be broken.

At the beginning of time, Sampsa Pellervoinen sows tree seeds and the lifeless earth begins to put forth. Väinämöinen fells trees, burns over the first land, sows seeds and produces the first grain crop, leaving one tree as a place for birds to rest and sing.

VII. KARELIANISM

At the end of the 19th century a number of Finnish artists made expeditions to Finnish and Russian Karelia, visiting areas where people still knew the old folk poetry. First to go was Akseli Gallen-Kallela in summer 1890. Later travellers included I. K. Inha, Louis Sparre, Emil Wikström and Jean Sibelius.

The 'Karelianists' were inspired by the great wilds of these distant regions, by Karelian domestic architecture and everyday objects, and by local ornamentation and decorative motifs. They were thrilled by what they believed to be primeval Karelian culture and by the close link between man and nature. They had studied

in the art centres of Europe and shared with many contemporaries the dream of an unspoilt 'natural' lifestyle.

VIII. KULLERVO

The tale of a young man: a spiral of homelessness, rejection, failure, revenge and violence. Elias Lönnrot greatly reworked the Kullervo story in putting together his Kalevala. The complex character of Kullervo has been one of the most popular subjects for Kalevala art, particularly around the turn of the century

and in the 1930s. It has generated a wide range of artistic interpretations.

Kullervo's family were ruled by envy and brotherly hatred. From birth, he had the strength of a grown man and was unable to control it. Kullervo is sold as a slave and sent out to live in the forest to watch over the cattle. There he breaks his knife on a stone baked into the bread he was given, and curses his master's household. Bent on revenge, he is aided by the beasts of the forest, which help him to kill the whole family and their animals. At the end of the story he falls on his own sword.

IX. AINO

The tale of a young woman. A popular theme among artists towards the end of the 19th century and later.

Elias Lönnrot edited the story considerably for the Kalevala.

Aino is the sister of Väinämöinen's rival Joukahainen. Joukahainen saves his skin by promising Aino to Väinämöinen as his bride. Aino objects, but her mother is also in favour of the match and orders her not to grieve. Aino weeps for days and leaves home. At the lake she removes all her jewellery and clothes and joins the realm of the water nymphs.

Among artists, Aino naked at the water's edge is the part of the story chosen most frequently as a subject. Many interpretations are reminiscent of the Venus and water nymph themes popular throughout the history of art.

X. HEROES AND BATTLES

Elias Lönnrot included many tales of adventure in his Kalevala. These have also inspired many artists, though mostly men. The men and women of the Kalevala are driven by powerful emotions

and passions. The hero characters are expected to perform great and amazing deeds. Lemminkäinen, for instance, succeeds in catching the elk of Hiisi, and at the river of fire he defeats the fiery eagle. Ilmarinen ploughs a field of vipers. Joukahainen takes revenge for his sister Aino's death.

The women of the Kalevala are the cause of or expected reward for the heroic deeds. They may also be a grieving mother or the figurehead of threatening forces.

Lemminkäinen seduces maidens of the Isle and abducts Kyllikki. He promises to stop fighting and she promises to be faithful. Both break this agreement.

Väinämöinen and Louhi, mistress of Pohjola, engage in a furious struggle for ownership of the Sampo, the magic mill of good fortune.

XI. THE KALEVALA AND NATIONAL IDENTITY

The role played by Kalevala art in building the Finnish identity peaked around the end of the 19th century. The Grand Duchy of Finland had its own pavilion at the Paris World Fair in 1900, the joint work of several artists. Akseli Gallen-Kallela painted frescoes on themes from the Kalevala on its ceiling, and numerous pieces of embroidery, a rya rug, furniture and pottery employing national motifs were on show.

Around the same period a rune-singing cult also developed. Exponents of this ancient art were invited to perform at song festivals in various parts of Finland. For the nationalist-minded intelligentsia, rune-singers were the voice of the past, a living link with the roots of Finnish culture. This admiration is documented in the numerous portraits produced of them, which reflect the mystery of artistic creation and the imagined origins of Finnish culture.

ELIAS LÖNNROT 1802–1882

Elias Lönnrot

Compiler of the Kalevala and Kanteletar, linguist, reformer of the Finnish language, physician and pioneering Finnish botanist.

1802

Born Sammatti, April 9.

1814–1818

A pupil at Tammisaari lower school and Turku Cathedral School.

1827

Master's thesis at Turku Academy: "De Wäinämöine priscorum Fennorum numine" (Väinämöinen, god of the ancient Finns).

1828

First poetry-collecting expedition.

1831

Founding meeting of the Finnish Literature Society, with Lönnrot as Secretary. Cholera physician in Helsinki; later practised in Kuopio and Kajaani.

1831–1844

More poetry-collecting expeditions. Makes altogether nine such expeditions over fifteen years, mainly on foot and skis and by rowing boat. Farthest points reached Petsamo, Arkhangelsk (Archangel), Viena, Estonia and Ingria.

On his fifth expedition in spring 1834, in the village of Latvajärvi in Viena Karelia, Lönnrot is sung to for three days by rune-singer Arhippa Perttunen (1762–1841), one of the most productive episodes on his journeys.

1832

Is granted a doctorate in medicine by the Imperial Alexander University (now the University of Helsinki).

1835

The first part of the 'old Kalevala' is published, the second part in 1836.

1840

The Kanteletar, the Kalevala's sister work, is issued.

1849

The 'new Kalevala' appears.

Lönnrot marries Maria Piponius (1823–1868). Children: Elias (1850–52), Maria (1852–74), Ida (1855–1915), Elina (1858–76) and Thekla (1860–79).

1853

Appointed Professor of Finnish Language and Literature at the University of Helsinki.Retires from the post in 1862.

In retirement works as a lexicographer, is active in academic societies and committees, and is awarded several honorary memberships and other honours, also abroad.

1884

Dies in Lammi, Sammatti, on March 19.

1889

The Finnish government acquires Lönnrot's birthplace in Sammatti, now known as Paikkari Cottage and run as a museum.

1902

The Elias Lönnrot statue by Emil Wikström is unveiled in Helsinki.

For more info, please look at the Kalevala Society.

Pekka Hako: The Interview

2010-09-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Pekka Hako worked as the Cultural Counselor when the students at Catholic University and Aalto University gathered at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, DC for a 9 day design charette to determine the design of what ultimately became the Kalevalakehto on Seurasaari. An avid filmmaker, Pekka knows what makes a story and how to capture it, but also easily manages to be the entertainment himself. There's never a dull moment when Pekka is around! I asked him some questions to which he responded with the following (again, never a dull moment!)

BW: Why and when did you stop loving the Kalevala ?

PH: I never started. The Kalevala is, or was, obligatory reading at school, and I found it rather boring at the time. My links to the national epic are mostly indirect – i.e., via the music of Sibelius, the paintings of Gallen-Kallela, etc.

BW: Have you ever actually read it as a great book? Recently?

PH: No.

BW: How did you get involved with Travis Price and the Kalevalakehto / Spirit of Place?

PH: I guess I have played a not inconsiderable role in the project. Travis came to Helsinki in connection with the Helsinki-Washington [My Helsinki] programme two years ago, and it started from there. I met Travis in Washington a couple of times, and the idea seemed interesting. The rest is history.

BW: What has this venture done to revive your perceptions of the Kalevala?

PH: Not much yet, but I expect it will help.

BW: What is one of the most amusing and odd things this has and is bringing to life?

PH: Don’t know about amusing or odd, but the project has certainly brought a new lease of life to the outdoor museum island of Seurasaari which has been in search of purpose for quite some time.

BW: What is your spirit of place, your sacred space, where do you go again and again to commune with the sacred?

PH: Uh-oh… a tall order. My sacred space is the City of Helsinki, its parks, streets and the sea.

BW: Do you think the Kalevala story can go beyond “the Lord of the Rings”, Kalevalakehto, and if so where would you take it next.

PH: Someone will undoubtedly write a rock musical around it sooner or later.

BW: Who are you? What is the Finnish spirit to you?

PH: I’m largely a stranger to myself. The Finnish spirit is a combination of extreme ambition and low self esteem. No other nation would have rushed to demand a recount after the recent Newsweek magazine Best Country in the World award.

BW: What’s your favorite salmon recipe?

PH: One containing as little salmon as possible.

BW: Do you believe in metaphors?

PH: No. Anything can mean anything to anyone. It’s a matter of agreement.

Day 9 construction

2010-09-22T08:20:00.001-07:00

Check out another day of construction from the build. Day 9!

making headlines

2010-09-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Check us out!

US Embassy in Finland. Click here.

This Is Finland, web magazine of Finnish Foreign Ministry. Click here.

Helsinki City Hall Virka Gallery Student Exhibition. Click here.

Helsinki Design Week article. Click here.

Helsinki Sanomat, International Edition article. Click here.

embassy life

2010-09-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

US Ambassador to Finland Bruce Oreck, graciously invited us to the US Embassy of Finland for a pizza lunch during the construction of the Kalevalakehto. We were hoping our time schedule would be on target to allow ourselves a moment of refueling and needless to say, the team made all efforts to do so (you would too with that type of invitation right?). With a delicious and healthy feast of homemade pizza on rye, Ambassador Oreck did not disappoint. He gave a brief speech based on a recent address to a group interested in green business with a message that it doesn't matter what other people are doing in the field, it matters what you are doing. He traced the development of the green movement starting with Henry David Thoreau's poem "Walden Pond" and how it affected John Muir, which influenced Teddy Roosevelt, which in turn reached Rachel Carson of Silent Spring, and trickled down to the progress that's been made today. All of these changes based on the power of just one person.

Not just talking the the talk, but walking the walk, he led us to the site where he and his wife keep bees. We can't thank him and the embassy staff enough for such a pleasant afternoon and for their massive support on this project. Thank you!

Day 8 construction

2010-09-02T07:16:00.001-07:00

panoramic

2010-08-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

Beautiful photo by Bobby Blabobil.

Time elapse

2010-08-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

We are done! 10 days later, the Kalevalakehto is complete and beautiful. Take a look for yourself from start to finish.

Day 7 construction AND U2 at our hostel!

2010-08-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

Public opening

2010-08-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

Opening night number two was much more low key. The singers floated back onto the island on their church boat while performing music. The kalevalakehto was lit with the Iittala candles that were generously donated to the project.

Day 6 Video

2010-08-27T01:44:00.001-07:00

Opening Night of the Kalevalakehto

2010-08-27T01:36:00.000-07:00

The finished product.

Lining the way to the Kalevalakehto for the guests.

The kantela players arriving to shore.

Junior Finnish national champions lined the path to the Kalevalakehto and performed.

After Travis Price's speech at the site, the crowd was led to the festivities area to watch a full performance of the dancers.

Reception at the restaurant.

Day 5 video

2010-08-26T03:17:00.001-07:00

Day 11 in photos

2010-08-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

don't forget the opening tonight! Dancing starts at 5:30 on Seurasaari!

in the news

2010-08-26T01:29:00.000-07:00

Travis Price was interviewed by Helsingin Sanomat for the Spirit of Place project. And for those confident in their Finnish skills, here's a bit.

Day 10 in photos

2010-08-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

We're slightly delayed in photos here because the real update is that the project is done! That's right...fini. I know you're dying to see photos, but you're just gonna have to wait a bit longer.

Gallery opening for Spirit of Place

2010-08-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

You are invited to a gallery opening of The Spirit of Place: Kalevalakehto and designs for a National Museum of the Kalevala, this Friday, August 27th, from 5-7pm at the Virka Gallery, City Hall, Pohjoisesplandi 11-13 and Sofiankatu 1.

This exhibition of the work of American and Finnish architecture students from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and Aalto University in Helsinki features students' sculptural, literary, and design explorations into the lyrics and metaphors of the Kalevala. These explorations were conducted at a 9-day design charrette held at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, DC, in which students led by American architect and professor Travis Price designed the Kalevakehto, an architectural installation inspired by the themes of the Kalevala, constructed by the students during 9 days in August 2010 at the southern point of Seurasaari.

In addition to the Kalevalakehto, the exhibit also features the work of a graduate architecture studio at Catholic University also taught by Prof. Price, in which students created hypothetical designs for a National Museum of the Kalevala, to also include a major public park and hotel at Helsinki harbor.

At this event, Irma-Riitta Järvinen of the Finnish Literary Society, will be signing copies her recent book, an English- language Kalevala Guide.

Check out www.virka.fi for more info

Day 4 construction

2010-08-25T04:53:00.001-07:00

Another piece of News

2010-08-25T01:33:00.000-07:00

Finnish National News, STV, featured Travis Price and Brittany Watson on their news segment. Click here for the link.

Spirit of Place on Finnish national TV

2010-08-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

Spirit of Place has been gaining major momentum in the last few days. Monday, several of the largest news stations checked out the Kalevalakehto project on Seurasaari and they are now available for the web:

Travis Price, Bobby Blabolil, student from Catholic University and Inka Saini, student from Alvar Aalto University are interviewed in this clip from YLE. Go to about 7:20 to watch our segment. Click on the link here.

getting into the "spirit of things"

2010-08-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Travis, Kathleen, and I were invited to attend a going away party for a nice fatherly Santa figure at the nearby Folk Center. Instead of presents he just wanted to dance with friends. He made a dance playlist and this is what happend:

In a sudden change of events, we became a part of the action! The group delightfully invited us into their circle and we had a great time pretending (and not so well either) that we knew how to authentically dance Finnish folk. Some shots from the event:

Day 8 and 9 in photos

2010-08-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

Plywood is done!

and sanded!

The floor crew cleaning and sealing the pine floors

The steel sheets applied to the roof

we're getting there!

Introducing...George Murphy

2010-08-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

As a master of architecture from Catholic University in 2004 and former Spirit of Place participant, George Murphy was a natural choice to lead the crew in 2010. Coming to Finland was extremely appealing, as was the idea of doing something physical demanding while reaching out to a group of students to help them realize something they designed on paper. What did he plan on getting out of the project? "[they] are immeasurable. Working with Travis, Kathleen and Sheila...Interacting with a group of students...seeing a student gain confidence using a tool that would normally be unavailable to them...I think ultimately it's making sure the students have the best experience possible and that at the same time they learn something about the practice of architecture that they can't learn in a lecture in Washington, DC." George currently works as a designer for Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects in Philadelphia and is working towards a license.

3rd Day of construction

2010-08-22T23:02:00.001-07:00

Introducing...Maria Angelico

2010-08-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

Maria Angelico was intrigued by the concept of this year's Spirit of Place and its location when she decided to become a part of the Kalevala project. She has immersed herself into this design-build by experiencing a new culture of "coffee, Kalevala, sauna," as stated by the curator of Seurasaari island, Aila. This recent graduate from Catholic University in architecture works within the event planning and design sector of PEJ, Inc. while applying for graduate programs in architecture and business school. Of the Kalevala, Maria says, "I actually only was aware that it has some tie to the Tolkien trilogy. I have learned that the Kalevala is so much more than a story, it is actually a part of who the Finnish people are."

catching some z's

2010-08-21T04:51:00.001-07:00

Day7 in photos

2010-08-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

Plywood attached to the trusses

finished benches will be placed along the perimeter of the interior

Day 2 of construction

2010-08-21T04:28:00.000-07:00

Day 6 in photos

2010-08-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

The most stunning moment so far: witnessing the lowering of the roof onto the safety of the steel brackets. Take a look for yourself.

adding plywood to the finished roof skeleton comprised of trusses

the new lowered roof. Steel on steel brackets.

furniture design team

roof skeleton

coffee break

2010-08-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends from the Seurasaari Foundation brought the team some homemade pastries for a midday snack. In this video, Aila discusses the importance of our midday break.

Day 5

2010-08-19T02:08:00.000-07:00

When the rain comes down, the students build up. By assembling a tarp cover-up system over the Kalevalakehto, they protected the precious site from wild rain and winds. By the end of the day the trusses were up, the steel lined the edge, and the brackets were in place.

How to survive a rainstorm with powertools

2010-08-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

Our first day in Helsinki sightseeing: blissful weather. Second day/first day of construction: stormy! Did that deter this Spirit of Place team from getting a move on? No way! Check out the storms for yourself:

and check out more videos on our YouTube channel.

Cruising along

2010-08-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

We're on day 5 of construction and the progress of the Kalevalakehto is stunning. Check how far we've come from this to this:

Day 2 Shadows of the roof onto the sides of the Kalevalakehto

Day 3 with the steel plates on either side of the gutter opening of the ceiling

Day 4 with a few roof trusses in place

Day 4 The shadows of the currently glass-less window holes.

Stay tuned for more!

Discovering Seurasaari

2010-08-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

After months of only hearing about this magical place, the students are led to the site of the Kalevalakehto:

Stage One

2010-08-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

To give you an idea of how much progress we are making (pics soon, I promise!), a quick little recap is in order! In June, the foundation was set by first drilling the steel posts into the rock and then laying a temporary mock-up.

We had constant welcomed visitors to the site including our friends from the city of Helsinki.

and the ever helpful Risto from Outokumpu

until finally, the real wood planks were set on the steel posts. Magnificent huh?

Getting over jet lag

2010-08-17T06:43:00.001-07:00

Introducing...Dan Chiville

2010-08-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

Dan Chiville has added some much needed spice to this Spirit of Place trip. Recently christened "Bieber" by his fellow classmates for his accurate impersonations, this recent Catholic University architecture student came on this expedition to see "what Finland is all about." He's been most looking forward to witnessing the fruition of a project he's been a part of for a half year.

textures and colors

2010-08-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

Seurasaari is a treasure trove of discarded items, perfect for the photographic capture.

Rainy beginning

2010-08-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Much like the birth of Väinämöinen, the central character of the Kalevala, our first day on the job was ushered in by massive rainfalls. What do 25 architecture students do in such times? Well, let's just say they put tarps to good use. Can you spot hiding feet? According to Finnish mythology, rain is a shower of love from the gods, so we'd like to think they were overflowing with generosity that day. See more pics on the Facebook site.

First day of construction

2010-08-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

The first day we arrived = beautiful sunny weather. Second day and first day of construction = Rain and lots of it! Don't think that stopped the group from getting a move on. Midday, Travis explains the status of the project:

Introducing...Teresa Taylor

2010-08-15T23:22:00.000-07:00

Teresa Taylor can be spotted on the Kalevalakehto site with construction documents in hand. She just finished up a 10 day trip in the El Salto region of Panama building a cabin with the Global Architecture Brigades and has put to use her many skills here in Helsinki. There's no shortage of travel and construction experience with this one. Of Spirit of Place Helsinki she says, "The appeal of the Spirit of Place trip, besides the obvious travel bonus, is that it is very rare to find such a unique and rewarding design/build opportunity. Travis Price's program has been extremely successful since day one and I knew I would learn so much from the process. It's also a mind-blowing realization knowing that something you helped imagine will be a tangible addition to this world." Teresa recently graduated from Catholic University and plans to continue her traveling spree with a 6 month internship with architecture firm, Sacro, in Peru this fall.

Day One: Sightseeing

2010-08-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Finland! We've arrived from various destinations: Greece, Panama, Scotland, Washington, DC, and CA and we've already begun construction in pouring rain. These guys are dedicated, that's apparent. To overcome any signs of jet lag on our first, Kathleen whipped us into sight-seeing tourists by taking us on a lovely jaunt through downtown Helsinki.

Christina Franz working her photographic skills

Lean Green Fighting Machine.

A little pit stop after the open-air market

Alvar Aalto's controversial 1960s building by the water

Eliel Saarinen's Helsinki Central Train Station

Not ashamed to play the role of Tourist.

Helsinki Cathedral by Carl Ludvig Engel

Yes, we do!

Travis explaining the Cathedral's history

Nina Africa in front of the Thumb of Beauracracy

Uspenski Cathedral

We arrived back at our hostel, built into the former Olympic stadium, which is also hosting an impressive showing of middle aged men running a marathon this week.

Blast from the past

2010-08-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

On my way to Helsinki right now! We're almost there! I thought I'd kick off the week by giving you a glimpse into the past with the very first Spirit of Place project in 1993 at Lake Ealue in British Columbia.

Introducing...Deirdre McMullen

2010-08-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

Deirdre McMullen graduated in architecture from Catholic University in May and looks forward to Spirit of Place, Helsinki, as a way to be immersed in the Finnish culture and witness how the collective concept of the Kalevala will turn into a reality. She views the Kalevala as an "illustration of its past heroes. It is an epic full of magic and energy." She comes to Helsinki straight from traveling from Greece, another land full of mythical heroes.

Introducing...Allen Custer

2010-08-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

Allen is a seasoned veteran on the Spirit of Place trip. He participated in the last journey to Ireland with the James Hoban memorial. This graduate student at Catholic University is looking for a new experience this time and believes that the Kalevalakehto will help him view Finland in a new light.