Upmade in Estonia: Sustainable design, talks & pop-up shop

DATES
13 - 21 Sep 2025
OPENING HOURS
UPMADE in Estonia Exhibition and Pop-Up Shop
Open Daily: 13 – 21 Sep
Sunday to Thursday: 10.30 am – 8.00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
Official Opening: 13 Sep, 6.00 pm
Talks and Lectures
Venue: SCAPE, Orchard Design District2 Orchard Link
17 Sep, 4.00 pm
– “Minimalism, Circularity, Innovation: The DNA of Estonian Design” by IlonaGurjanova, President of the Estonian Association of Designers
– “Planet-friendly Future Materials” by Riina Õun, designer andmaterials researcher
18 Sep, 4.00 pm
– “Tradition and Innovation: Virtual Models for Experimental Enhancement ofPrecious Metal Product Development”Lecture by Kärt Summatavet, PhD, jewellery artist and researcher
20 Sep, 12.00 pm
– “Circular Design as a Solution” by Reet Aus, PhD, UPMADE pioneer andupcycling visionary(Also presented on 18 September at the World Design Forum)
Venue: SCAPE, OrchardDesign District2 Orchard Link
RSVP: [email protected]
19 September, 4.00 – 6.00 pm
– “Estonian heritage and the fusion of tradition with innovation”.
A lecture by Kärt
Summatavet, PhD, jewellery artist, researcher, and visionary thinker.
Design Talks & Networking with Reet Aus, Ilona Gurjanova, Tarmo Luisk, Elize Hiiop, KärtSummatavet, Eva-Karlotta Tatar, Kirke Tatar
VENUE
SCAPE, Orchard Design District
2 Orchard Link
5th floor
S237978
ADMISSION
Free
DATES
13 - 21 Sep 2025
OPENING HOURS
UPMADE in Estonia Exhibition and Pop-Up Shop
Open Daily: 13 – 21 Sep
Sunday to Thursday: 10.30 am – 8.00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
Official Opening: 13 Sep, 6.00 pm
Talks and Lectures
Venue: SCAPE, Orchard Design District2 Orchard Link
17 Sep, 4.00 pm
– “Minimalism, Circularity, Innovation: The DNA of Estonian Design” by IlonaGurjanova, President of the Estonian Association of Designers
– “Planet-friendly Future Materials” by Riina Õun, designer andmaterials researcher
18 Sep, 4.00 pm
– “Tradition and Innovation: Virtual Models for Experimental Enhancement ofPrecious Metal Product Development”Lecture by Kärt Summatavet, PhD, jewellery artist and researcher
20 Sep, 12.00 pm
– “Circular Design as a Solution” by Reet Aus, PhD, UPMADE pioneer andupcycling visionary(Also presented on 18 September at the World Design Forum)
Venue: SCAPE, OrchardDesign District2 Orchard Link
RSVP: [email protected]
19 September, 4.00 – 6.00 pm
– “Estonian heritage and the fusion of tradition with innovation”.
A lecture by Kärt
Summatavet, PhD, jewellery artist, researcher, and visionary thinker.
Design Talks & Networking with Reet Aus, Ilona Gurjanova, Tarmo Luisk, Elize Hiiop, KärtSummatavet, Eva-Karlotta Tatar, Kirke Tatar
VENUE
SCAPE, Orchard Design District
2 Orchard Link
5th floor
S237978
ADMISSION
Free
ABOUT
UPMADE in Estonia is a visionary exhibition that shines a light on the future of design. In a world grappling with overconsumption, waste, and fleeting products, Estonia offers creative and efficient alternatives grounded in centuries-old traditions and a profound connection to nature. As the world’s first 99% digital society, Estonia seamlessly merges its Northern European heritage with cutting-edge innovation, presenting a model for a truly sustainable future. This exhibition celebrates the ingenuity of Estonian designers who craft durable, circular products that minimize waste and maximize resourcefulness. Their work reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, digital governance, and the principles of a circular economy. The exhibition unfolds across five engaging sections: Tradition & Craftsmanship: Honouring enduring techniques and generational artistry. Upcycling: Reviving discarded materials through inventive reuse. Recycling: Transforming waste into valuable resources within a regenerative design ecosystem. Biomaterials: Showcasing advanced materials that bypass the waste cycle entirely. Digital Innovation and 3D printing: Demonstrating Estonia’s leadership in tech-driven sustainability.
Launched at NYCxDESIGN 2024 and heading to France, UPMADE in Estonia is more than an exhibition—it’s a movement. Curated by Ilona Gurjanova and Reet Aus, PhD, with a distinctive layout by designer Tarmo Luisk, it showcases Estonia’s bold vision for sustainable design.
ORGANISER
Estonian Association of Designers
The Estonian Association of Designers (EAD) connects 190 top designers across disciplines, promoting sustainable design, professional excellence, and global collaboration. EAD organizes exhibitions, festivals, and projects like “Tallinn For All”, gives out the BRUNO Award, runs Estonian Design House, and belongs to global design bodies.
CO-ORGANISER
Estonian Academy of Arts/DiMa
DiMa, the Sustainable Design and Materials Lab at the Estonian Academy of Arts, focuses on circular design and material innovation. It connects research, teaching, and industry to develop eco-friendly products, reduce waste, and promote upcycling. DiMa leads EU-backed projects and global collaborations.
CONTACT
Name: Ilona Gurjanova
Email Address: [email protected]
Top image: Sandra’s “Completely out of Fashion” creations transform discarded denim into bold, wearable statements—torn, woven, and stitched with purpose. Photo courtesy of Sandra Luks.
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