Map Highlights Design in European Capital of Culture


Photo: Design Center

The designers' community printed a map pinpointing the most eye-catching design in Tallinn, from exciting exhibits and scenes in the cityscape, to intriguing restaurants and hotels.

It was harder for applicants to get their objects on the map this year with only 27 spots to fill. The project first started in 2006 in the Academy of Arts, but is now published by a nonprofit, Design Center.

"The map gives value to and highlights good Estonian design that can be found right here around us, where we don't always notice it," said project representative Kai Lobjakas. "The map gives Tallinners the chance to check out familiar old places in a new context - for example, the Valli bar, Kuku club, or the good old cafe, Maiasmokk."

The printed maps, which are handed out for free at tourism booths, are available in Estonian, English, Russian, German, Finnish, Swedish and Japanese.

"The year of tourism (European Capital of Culture 2011 – ed.) has had a very positive start for Tallinn. Among the favorite activities of Tallinn's foreign visitors is strolling [...] The design map is the tourist's helpful guide, which leads the way to exciting discoveries of local designers' creations," said Evelin Tsirk, the tourism director of Tallinn's Enterprise Department.