the kalevalakehto/shaman's haven of the kalevala

led by american architect & professor, travis price, the kalevalakehto/shaman's haven of the kalevala was the result of an international exchange among finnish & american students of architecture.  it was designed during a 9-day intensive charette at the embassy of finland in washington, dc in january & constructed in helsinki by the students over 9 days in late august. 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.