EXHIBITION “ABANDONED LANDSCAPES: KOHILA PAPER MILL”

The opening of the exhibition “Abandoned Landscapes: Kohila Paper Mill” took place on September 16th at 12:00 in the wood pulp room of the Kohila paper mill. The Department of Architecture at the Estonian Academy of Arts, in collaboration with the Department of Heritage Conservation and Restoration, organized the interdisciplinary workshop “Abandoned Landscapes” for the twelfth time this spring. The workshop aims to find contemporary solutions for unused building complexes. This year’s workshop, professional studio, and exhibition were created in collaboration with the Kohila community and the NGO Kohila Paper Mill, who have taken it upon themselves to value the paper mill, which has stood empty for 20 years, as a landmark. The exhibition held in the paper mill’s premises showcases projects and models created by second-year students of the architecture and urban planning program at the Estonian Academy of Arts. These projects explore how to value and revitalize the historical Kohila paper mill. The exhibition is accompanied by a specially created sound installation. At the exhibition opening taking place on September 16th at 12:00 PM, students will presented nine future possibilities for the paper mill, providing answers to questions such as:

1. Can deteriorating industrial buildings be repurposed through circular economy methods?
2. Does the circular economy create new jobs?
3. Can a community and cultural center be economically sustainable?
4. How to engage the community and remain competitive?
5. What constitutes a building’s footprint?
6. What makes a building sustainable?
7. Can and how should demolition be done intelligently?
8. Which historical layers are valuable and contribute to the environment?

During the spring semester, students visited Kohila and the paper mill multiple times, thoroughly analyzing its structural environment and the broader region. They mapped out both opportunities and challenges. Additionally, they worked on the same area in a landscape architecture course, focusing on connecting the paper mill and Kohila’s landscape, as well as conceptualizing and defining the local landscape. The task for students was to create programs and spatial intervention visions that treat the abandoned factory building in ways that have not yet been put into practice. A significant portion of renovated old factory buildings in Estonia has adopted a similar model: new businesses and office spaces move in, catering to specific interest groups, making the building inaccessible to many due to economic or social reasons. However, everyone wants to connect with the history of their homeland on equal terms. Therefore, a crucial challenge was to develop solutions that offer usability regardless of a person’s financial status, consumption preferences, or age. The exhibition builds upon the results of the workshop held in January, which brought together students from the fields of architecture, interior architecture, heritage conservation, design, and engineering. The workshop was guided by Riin Alatalu, Triin Reidla, and Aljona Gineiko from EKA’s Department of Heritage Conservation and Restoration; Koit Ojaliiv and Andres Ojari from EKA’s Department of Architecture and Urban Planning; and Simo Ilomets from TTÜ’s Institute of Construction and Architecture. The projects were developed by now third-year students of EKA’s architecture and urban planning program: “Ülejõe Kohila” Arabella Aabrams & Anabel Ainso; “Kohila Terviseküla” Anu Alver & Fred-Eric Pavel; “Kohila ehitusjäätmete ringluse kompetentsikeskus” Alis Mäesalu & Karmo Viherpuu; “Vabrik” Tuule Kangur & Darja Gužovskaja; “Kohila lineaartelg” Laura Haki & Frank Kuresaar; “VÕRE” Hugo Georg Kalaus & Madis Arp Keerd; “KASK” Kristian Tigane & Triinu Lamp; “Kestkus” Liisalota Kroon & Karl Robin Timm; “Teadmiste džungel” Laura Venelaine, Karl Perens & Villem Kai Johannes Laimre. These projects were developed under the guidance of architects from KUU Architects: Joel Kopli, Koit Ojaliiv, and Juhan Rohtla, with consultation from LCA consultant Anni Oviir. The exhibition is supported by the Estonian Cultural Endowment. The exhibition is open by demand. Contact NGO Kohila Paberivabrik, Marika Jahilo, phone +372 53456798 or FB sait Kohila Paberivabrik