Helsinki Central Library Oodi Oodi is a recently opened library in Helsinki’s centre. It was designed by ALA Architects and commissioned in connection with Finlands centenary of independence in 2017. The huge wooden structure dominates the area in which it is located. Oodi is an excellent example of modern architecture, filled with workspaces, books andContinue reading “Oodi – Helsinki’s Central Library”
Author Archives: Our Shadows Will Remain
Tell Me All Your Secrets – Hotel Viru
The building now known as Original Sokos Hotel Viru first opened in 1972, after construction delays and a fire in one of the upper floors. Apart from being a hotel the building and its secret history plays an interesting part in the history of the city. The hotel is known for once hosting the KGB. Though,Continue reading “Tell Me All Your Secrets – Hotel Viru”
A winter’s Day in Tallinn’s Old Town
Over the years I have visited Tallinn many times thanks to it being only a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Each time visiting new places and getting to know the city that little bit more. Whatever my plans they always include a trip to its Old Town. Tallinn’s Old Town refers to its medieval regionContinue reading “A winter’s Day in Tallinn’s Old Town”
The National Library of Finland
I recently wrote about Helsinki and put my case forward for it being the city with the best looking libraries, though I am completely bias as I have only seen a handful of libraries outside of Helsinki, I stand by this. There were two libraries missing from that list though mentioned. The first was Oodi,Continue reading “The National Library of Finland”
Does Helsinki Have the Best Looking Libraries?
My interest in the libraries of Helsinki had first come through photography, inside there were these hidden architectural secrets I had to photograph. It took me to new places in the city and I was often hearing about others I had to visit. It became such an interest of mine that one time while takingContinue reading “Does Helsinki Have the Best Looking Libraries?”
The Body of Chairman Mao
Getting into Tiananmen Square was hard enough. We joined a large crowd of Chinese people, shuffling slowly forwarded. We waited while people looked at us strangely, pointed at our feet and laughing, not knowing if joining the group was even the right thing to do. Eventually we arrived at a security checkpoint, where our bagsContinue reading “The Body of Chairman Mao”
Jussi TwoSeven in Brighton
Recently I found myself in Brighton hunting for a number of street art pieces that had been placed around the city. The reason I was here was the Finnish street artist Jussi TwoSeven whose work I had been following since my time living in Helsinki, where I had first been introduced to his work. TheContinue reading “Jussi TwoSeven in Brighton”
Melbourne Trams
As we where staying in an Air BnB a short walk in one direction from Central Station and Queen Victoria Markets in the other, it was easy to get around Melbourne by foot. I find it’s the best way to see a city and stumble across a place you aren’t expecting. And that was exactlyContinue reading “Melbourne Trams”
The Face of Melbourne
The Face of Melbourne The first time I noticed the building was from the ANZAC memorial, far off in the distance a black and white face 32 storeys tall staring back at me. It was far away but I could make out the portrait clearly. I was intrigued and needed to know more about theContinue reading “The Face of Melbourne”
Melbourne Then and Now
My first day in Melbourne I knew exactly where I wanted to go. From my time there eight years ago I had become familiar with the city and knew that one of the best views was found from the roof of the ANZAC memorial, a 15 minute walk from the construction site that was currentlyContinue reading “Melbourne Then and Now”
Our Shadows Will Remain 