Client
Estonian Maritime Museum
Location
Tallinn, Estonia
Year
2012
Exhibition area
6,500 m²
Scope of work
Exhibition design and development, multimedia design and production, interactive exhibits design and production, replicas production, graphic design and project management.
Client
Estonian Maritime Museum
Location
Tallinn, Estonia
Year
2012
Exhibition area
6,500 m²
Web page
https://meremuuseum.ee/lennusadam/
Scope of work
Exhibition design and development, multimedia design and production, interactive exhibits design and production, replicas production, graphic design and project management.
description
Seaplane Harbour is an outstanding accomplishment in engineering and an important architectural monument located in Tallinn, Estonia. Originally built as a hangar for seaplanes in the area of Peter the Great’s Naval Fortress early 20th century and is the first concrete shell building without internal support of this size in the world. It was put out of use in Soviet era and was in desolate condition, nearing collapse by the time renovation works begun in 2010. Today, Tallinn Seaplane Harbour houses one of the grandest maritime museums in Europe and is one of the top visitor attractions in the Baltics.
Working with a building of unique architecture and 6,500 m2 worth of exhibition space posed a challenge of how to turn the cathedral-sized hall into an experiential environment with a thoroughly absorbing atmosphere. Suitable display of exhibits of great size was of utmost importance, as Seaplane Harbour boasts a rare collection of large historic vessels and artifacts. Lastly, the end goal was to create an interactive visitor centre that would offer something to everyone and that would become a popular leisure time destination for families.
Seaplane Harbour is an outstanding accomplishment in engineering and an important architectural monument located in Tallinn, Estonia. Originally built as a hangar for seaplanes in the area of Peter the Great’s Naval Fortress early 20th century and is the first concrete shell building without internal support of this size in the world. It was put out of use in Soviet era and was in desolate condition, nearing collapse by the time renovation works begun in 2010. Today, Tallinn Seaplane Harbour houses one of the grandest maritime museums in Europe and is one of the top visitor attractions in the Baltics.
Working with a building of unique architecture and 6,500 m2 worth of exhibition space posed a challenge of how to turn the cathedral-sized hall into an experiential environment with a thoroughly absorbing atmosphere. Suitable display of exhibits of great size was of utmost importance, as Seaplane Harbour boasts a rare collection of large historic vessels and artifacts. Lastly, the end goal was to create an interactive visitor centre that would offer something to everyone and that would become a popular leisure time destination for families.
The solution was found in dividing the exhibition into three levels and placing the exhibits at different heights – below the sea level, on the sea and up in the air. The star exhibit, fully refurbished submarine Lembit from 1936 along with naval mines and shipwrecks can be explored on the floor level. An elevated pathway around the exhibition walks the visitor through ships and floating vessels as well as the air level, featuring exhibits such as the full-scale replica of World War I era Short Type 184 seaplane.
Seaplane Harbour is more than a museum – it is an engaging family centre that offers visitors plentiful chances to experience the maritime life and have a lot of fun. Visitors can take a trip around the world on the board of the Yellow Submarine, enjoy X-ray animations projected on to the submarine Lembit’s side, try on naval uniforms and learn about maritime history with the help of many authentic exhibits. The interactive solutions promote intergenerational bonding exercises and chances for education through entertainment.
The solution was found in dividing the exhibition into three levels and placing the exhibits at different heights – below the sea level, on the sea and up in the air. The star exhibit, fully refurbished submarine Lembit from 1936 along with naval mines and shipwrecks can be explored on the floor level. An elevated pathway around the exhibition walks the visitor through ships and floating vessels as well as the air level, featuring exhibits such as the full-scale replica of World War I era Short Type 184 seaplane.
Seaplane Harbour is more than a museum – it is an engaging family centre that offers visitors plentiful chances to experience the maritime life and have a lot of fun. Visitors can take a trip around the world on the board of the Yellow Submarine, enjoy X-ray animations projected on to the submarine Lembit’s side, try on naval uniforms and learn about maritime history with the help of many authentic exhibits. The interactive solutions promote intergenerational bonding exercises and chances for education through entertainment.
Estonian rich maritime history contains so much information that choices had to be made how and what to display. Only essential information was printed onto the walls, and the rest was developed into multimedia programmes that are spread across the exhibition for visitors with deeper interest in the subjects. Seaplane Harbour was one of the first museums in the world to offer an option to collect information throughout the exhibition and send it to oneself via email.
Estonian rich maritime history contains so much information that choices had to be made how and what to display. Only essential information was printed onto the walls, and the rest was developed into multimedia programmes that are spread across the exhibition for visitors with deeper interest in the subjects. Seaplane Harbour was one of the first museums in the world to offer an option to collect information throughout the exhibition and send it to oneself via email.
The museum presents the history of old maritime country Estonia in a modern visual language. It was an exciting challenge for us to work with a vast exhibition space that would highlight the extraordinariness of the edifice while working through the exhibition from largest exhibits to the smallest details. Tallinn Seaplane Harbour is one of our closest partners to the day and we have been honoured to work with them on temporary exhibitions since.
The museum presents the history of old maritime country Estonia in a modern visual language. It was an exciting challenge for us to work with a vast exhibition space that would highlight the extraordinariness of the edifice while working through the exhibition from largest exhibits to the smallest details. Tallinn Seaplane Harbour is one of our closest partners to the day and we have been honoured to work with them on temporary exhibitions since.
Awards
2014 European Museum Forum / European Museum of the Year Award / Special Commendation
2012 Estonian Design Awards / Product Design Award Bruno / Best Design Project
2012 Estonian Design Awards / Best Design Team / Motor & Koko architects
2012 Estonian Design Awards / Graphic Design / Environmental Design / Bronze
2012 World Architecture Festival / Old and new & Display / Shortlisted
2012 Estonian Annual Museum Prize / Best Permanent Exhibition / Winner
2014 European Museum Forum / European Museum of the Year Award / Special Commendation
2012 Estonian Design Awards / Product Design Award Bruno / Best Design Project
2012 Estonian Design Awards / Best Design Team / Motor & Koko architects
2012 Estonian Design Awards / Graphic Design / Environmental Design / Bronze
2012 World Architecture Festival / Old and new & Display / Shortlisted
2012 Estonian Annual Museum Prize / Best Permanent Exhibition / Winner
