Page 58 - TLU magazine - The Way to The Top

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TALLINN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE / NO. 14 / SPRING 2020
Rector’s chain. Photo: Piret Räni
born from creative ambitions −
THE RECTOR’S CHAIN
Traditionally the Rector’s chain emphasises academic status, solemnity and dignity. In 2006, the jury of Tallinn University approved the “Spine” design which didn’t comply to this tradition by Merle Kasonen, who was at the time studying in the Estonian Academy of Arts, and Rait Siska as the winner of the Rector’s chain competition.
What does the Rector’s chain symbolise?
The “Spine” design by Merle Kasonen and Rait Siska highlights the bravery, openness and dynamism of the young university. The innova- tive chain is composed of vertebra-like details inspired by the Gothic arch used in the logo of the university.
The Rector’s chain as the backbone holds to- gether yet allows flexibility. “A university, albeit a young one, must have a backbone,” explains Merle Kasonen, who is still delighted to have won the idea over strong competitors.
Have worn the Rector’s chain for almost nine years, Tiit Land agrees that the chain symbol- ises innovation, dynamism and bravery to think in a new way and keep up with the times. How- ever, in contrast to the creators of the chain, Land finds that despite not being traditional, the chain emphasises the solemnity and dignity of the moment of wearing it.
How was the Rector’s chain created?
The creative ambitions of the two authors were grand at the time of designing, both the idea
and the design were created hastily. Due to technological complexity, however, the creation of the chain was difficult. “It was a very labour intensive one and a half month process,” remi- nisced the author, “in which several students and Masters of the Estonian Academy of Arts participated. Advice was also given by lecturers.”
The technical requirements of the specifics, size and weight of the Rector’s chain had to be con- sidered and it had to be made sure that it would stand the test of time. The young artists could not base their creation on any previous since it was so unique. They had to make up their own, new work.
Merle Kasonen thinks that the Rector’s chain
is striking, bold and controversial even now. “I am still proud of the work done,” she says, “and I am very grateful to the Tallinn University and the Rector at the time, Rein Raud, for the trust.”
Creativity, freshness and boldness are still the characteristics of Tallinn University. As an integral part of the events, the Rector's chain re- minds us of these qualities over and over again.
Internal communications specialist Rein Olesk