Among the many young volunteers at Open House Tallinn is Anna Maare Floren, a student from Rakvere. Read on to find out what her experience was like and why she chose to get involved.
How long have you been a volunteer at Open House Tallinn (OHT)?
I’ve only taken part in OHT once so far – last year – and I volunteered as a photographer.
Why was it important for you to volunteer at OHT?
At first, I joined as a volunteer because I needed to complete a volunteer assignment for school, and my mother found this opportunity with Open House Tallinn. Since I enjoy photography, I signed up as a volunteer photographer – and it gave me a chance to grow both technically and creatively. It also gave me a sense of community, allowed me to meet new people, and discover some of Tallinn’s fascinating architecture – which I wouldn’t normally get to do, as I don’t live in the city.
Share a fun story or memory from OHT.
This was more of a mix-up than a story, but it stuck with me! Since I had several buildings to photograph, I planned a route to make it easier to move between locations. I checked the addresses and the tour times – but forgot to check the tour languages. So I ended up on two tours in Russian. Luckily, my mom was with me and translated the guides’ stories – because I wasn’t just there to take pictures, I really wanted to understand the background of the buildings too. In the end, my mom got a great language workout and I learned an important lesson: always double-check the details before making a plan!
What do you value in architecture?
I appreciate how different styles and forms of architecture reflect their era and the worldviews of the time. The materials, façades, and details of buildings tell us about the people who lived in them, the builders, and the original purpose of the space. I also find it fascinating how we adapt these buildings to modern needs and the evolving urban environment.
Open House Tallinn will take place on October 11 and 12, 2025. Join as volunteer here.
