The exhibition Flying Panels – How Concrete Panels Changed the World tells of the time when a concrete panel soaring across the sky symbolised the future and embodied dreams of a better world. The exhibition also tells of the concrete panel systems in contemporary architecture.

In the school programmes connected with the exhibition, we deepen students’ understanding of the historical development of technology and show how technology interacts with other art forms, such as film, photography and painting. At the same time, we convey practical knowledge about concrete as a material, its properties, possibilities and use in the buildings that were created all over the world using prefabricated concrete panel systems. We also discuss how the emergence of prefabricated concrete panel systems coincided with the growth of the Swedish welfare society. As part of the school programmes, students will be encouraged to explore their own creativity and cast miniature concrete panels in plaster.

The city then and now

How has the city changed from the Middle Ages to present day? We take a dip into history and explore how the city looked in the Middle Ages, during the 17th century and in more modern times. The city today still has features from history, and this tour provides advice on what to look for in your immediate environment. What were the thoughts and ideas of those who planned and built cities during the different eras and what visions did they have? We also discuss how technical innovations such as sewage and trams have affected the shaping of the city. Finally, the pupils are divided into small groups and build their own cities that they can take back to school.

The colours and forms of architecture

The colours and forms of buildings are closely related to the era in which they were created and their functions. We take an in-depth look at architectural history and study how houses are shaped by choice of materials and aesthetic visions. Why do houses look like they do? Why were the medieval houses tall and narrow, whereas the houses from the 1970s were often low and thick? Why are many houses painted red? We talk about how shapes like triangles, cylinders and symmetry are utilised in different buildings in Sweden, from the Bronze Age up to modern times. The programme concludes with the pupils divided into small groups and erecting models of a building in the atelier, which they later present to each other.

Technology, materials and construction

Different building techniques generate different forms for a house. The choice of materials also paves the way for different shapes and form. We start by exploring the Bronze Age house and study how simple tools such as axes, wheels and levers were used to create buildings thirty metres in length. We also look at different wooden structures such as log cabins and half-timbered houses. We study how an arch works and how these were used in architecture during the Middle Ages. What happens to buildings when iron is introduced in the mid-19th century? We study framework structures and discuss why they function as they do? Why are so many houses built of concrete and is it possible to build houses using glass? The final practical activity involves dividing the pupils into small groups, where they build towers using thin paper tubes. We then test the towers to study the correct form of construction for high and stable structures.

Series of school programmes

Architecture x 5 is a series of visits that studies architectural history from antiquity up to modern day.

Antiquity – We study buildings from antiquity, such as Djoser’s pyramid and Knossos, and then try to find traces of these in buildings in Sweden. We cast columns in the atelier and, if we have the time, paint them.

The Middle Ages – How do you create a hole in a brick wall? We explore arches and study medieval buildings both in the city and the countryside. How were houses built to look taller, and how was the way of life in the medieval city? We build different form of arches in the atelier.

High-rise houses – How should they be built for both height and stability? We study high-rise buildings and discuss stability, framework and load-bearing piles. We build high towers in the atelier.

Shapes – Cylinders, cuboids, triangles and cubes. We study how people have worked with different geometric shapes throughout the ages to create architecture, and focus on functionalism. We then build model houses in the atelier.

The city – Why does the city look like it does? We study the city’s development, then build our own cities in the atelier. The theory section is slightly shorter than for other school programmes, in order to ensure plenty of time for the building work.

School visit for elementary school classes

Duration: Two hours
Price: SEK 1,000
Max. no of pupils: 25

School program series

For: Years 3-9
Duration: Two hours for each visit
Price: Five visits cost SEK 4,500
Max. no of pupils: 25

Book a visit

Please remember to notify any changes or cancellations at the latest three days before the booked visit, or you will be charged for the full price of the visit.

Wild at heart

The school programme is offered from 18 February to 4 April at the Finnish Institute.

Playful, socially responsible and material-driven, all describe contemporary Finnish design. The school programme introduces students to contemporary Finnish design and allows them to design movable artworks of their own using the exhibition as their inspiration. The exhibition presents a number of Finnish designers, all work in different ways and with different questions that challenge and broaden the view of the role of design in society today.

Take this opportunity to examine the richly detailed illustrations in Happaniemi’s textiles, which are inspired by Finnish folklore, myths and tales. Or the result of Mifuko’s combination of Finnish contemporary design and Kenyan crafts. The company does more than make products, it also contributes to creating a secure income for the women who are part of the production process.

The school programme is given in Swedish or Finnish.

About the programme
Free entrance
Max number of pupils: 15, in two groups
Target group: F-9, gymnasium
Duration: 1.5 hours
Location: Snickarbacken 4
Metro station: Östermalmstorg or Hötorget

Book
Aura Alarto
Email: konst@finlandsinstitutet.se
Tele: +46 73 979 12 19