Special interest group sample program

Subject: nature friendly wood processing and construction, sustainable development

Day 1

Arrival in Helsinki. Guided tour of Helsinki. Transfer to Turku, visit of Turku and lunch

Further drive to Paimio, visit of the studio of sculptor Väino Oja, subject: use of timber and ecological
materials

From Paimio drive to Fiskars village. Visit of the studio of sculptor Markku Kosonen
Visit of Fiskars village
Fiskars Ironworks was founded in 1649 by Peter Thorwöste, when Queen Christina of Sweden granted
the Dutch businessman a privilege to manufacture cast iron and forged products, with the exception of
cannon. Through centuries the Fiskars Ironworks changed owners and their production profile always
remaining in the first line of industrial development. The factory continued to work in Fiskars till 1980s
when it was moved to Billnäs because the industrial operations required more up-to-date facilities.

Various development plans were created for Fiskars Village with the intention of keeping the place and
its traditions alive. Under the slogan ‘A Living Ironworks Village’ a search for new inhabitants and
operations was begun. The beautiful setting and surrounding countryside was a unique environment and
the old buildings offered opportunities that appealed in particular to crafts people, designers and artists.
In April 1996, the Artisans, Designers and Artists of Fiskars Co-operative was founded. Over the years its
membership has increased, and today the Co-operative has more than a 100 members whose work
represents most areas of the arts, crafts and design. The largest professional groups are artists,
cabinetmakers, ceramicists, and industrial designers. Fiskars quickly established its position as a
showcase of high-quality Finnish art and industrial design

Day 2
Departure for Savotta
Visit of Hattula log house construction facility
Savotta – Finnish traditional logging. Participation in a logging day with traditional methods followed by
sauna and dinner
Overnight at Haikko manor

Day 3
Departure towards Helsinki. Ferry to Tallinn
Arrival in Tallinn. Guided tour of Tallinn, visit of the studio of designer Reet Aus, author of the brand that
stands for ethical fashion, by designing and producing eco-friendly clothes and accessories. The idea
behind it is to redesign used clothes and textile and turn them into luxury. Every item is handmade in
Estonia and refined right down to smallest detail.
Transfer to a Green Key hotel. Presentation of Green Key label
Dinner at restaurant Aed, cuisine based on locally produced ecological products and recipes

Day 4
Visit of a local log-house production
Afternoon visit of Tallinn with special accent on local wooden architecture of 1920-30s guided by
architect Urmas Oja

Day 5
Departure