It’s time to get to know the Open House Tallinn team. This time, curator Piibe Piirma shares her thoughts.
Who are you and what do you do on a daily basis?
I’m a graphic designer, video artist, and university lecturer. I’ve been involved with OHT for seven years already, and I also lead guided tours at the Estonian Centre of Architecture. So, architecture is definitely something that fascinates me and is firmly part of my life.
How did you find your way into architecture, urban space, or design? What fascinates you most about architecture?
I was introduced to the field of architecture by my PhD co-supervisor, Veronika Valk – her wholehearted dedication and bold ideas inspired me greatly. At first, I helped organize an exhibition for the Tallinn Architecture Biennale, and later I joined the OHT team. I believe architecture plays a vital role in our lives – it affects our well-being, stands out, creates atmosphere, and invites us to explore.
Which place in Tallinn always makes you reflect on the city anew?
Definitely those areas and buildings that are waiting for a better future (or sometimes demolition). I mean the Soviet-era heritage, which sparks very different opinions. Decisions are often influenced by financial means or location. For example, Linnahall – where I often lead tours – always makes me reflect deeply on the value of postmodernist buildings in our architectural history and in today’s context.
Which space or building has inspired you recently (in Estonia or elsewhere)?
About a year ago, I visited Aarhus in Denmark. I was deeply impressed by the city’s historical red-brick architecture and, in the midst of it, the modern art museum. It blended dynamically into the historical environment, and with its fascinating exhibitions, it left a lasting impression on me. It’s not an architectural wonder as such, but it’s exactly the right size and spatial solution for a contemporary building where it feels good to be.
In which historical building anywhere in the world would you like to live or work?
I’d prefer to live in Estonia – there are plenty of places here where I’d love to stay and work longer. My first choice would probably be a beautiful manor house, since I’m immensely proud of Estonia’s manor heritage. Of course, that would also come with a fair share of practical challenges. It would also be wonderful to live in Villa Antropoff near Pärnu, which is in a completely different style, or in Narva-Jõesuu in a dignified old wooden villa decorated with lace-like details.
What change would you like to see in Tallinn’s urban space in the future?
If it were up to me, I’d think carefully about whether painted red cycle lanes actually make cycling safer and easier. Or whether removing all the rubbish bins from the city without replacing them is really a sensible decision. I’ve also often wondered: who are the people that will occupy all the new residential buildings and office spaces going up in Tallinn? Will they really all be filled with life and activity?
Which building or tour would you definitely recommend visiting this year, and why?
I have a great fondness for the Bridgettine Convent next to the ruins of Pirita Monastery – it’s a dignified and peaceful place right in the middle of the city’s bustle. As a contrast, I’d recommend visiting the new D-Terminal building, since the guided tours give you access to places that regular visitors don’t usually see. And thirdly, I suggest exploring the Noblessner quarter – there are still buildings untouched by developers, carrying over a hundred years of history.
