Read the texts and questions carefully and choose the best alternative.



Designing the shop experience

As a place of interaction, consumption and design, the concept of the boutique has evolved throughout history. In the Middle Ages, most transactions took place outdoors; moving business indoors marked a significant transformation. Interior architecture and design played a prominent role in the layout and societal codes of these new spaces, often associated with luxury goods.

Above all, boutiques sought prestige and distinction, which required a very specific conceptual design. This creative momentum, meant primarily to entice shoppers, resulted in objects of design manufactured on an architectural scale.

On Display - Designing the Shop Experience: With the boutique as its focal point, the exhibition examines interior design and architecture to analyse and better grasp how our society has evolved, and to bring to light the relationship between architecture and popular culture. Reflecting and representing social evolutions, the boutique offers a snapshot of society at any given time.

1. What is the purpose of the boutique?
To represent interior design items
To sell high-end products
To display photographs


2. What does the exhibition analyse?
How the concept of the boutique has evolved since the Middle Ages
How the boutique uses architecture to gain prestige and attract shoppers
How the appearance of the boutique correlates with developments in society



Aktivistimummot

The organisation Aktivistimummot recently rewarded VR, the national railway operator in Finland, with the Pelargonia award, which is given annually to a pioneer in the fight to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity.

Aktivistimummot was created by twelve Finnish grandmothers in 2019 who wanted to ensure their grandchildren have a safe and sustainable future. The organisation now has over 6 000 members in their Facebook group which continues to grow in popularity. The group is a mixture of old and young people and not all members of the group are die-hard climate warriors. In fact, sometimes complete newbies join just in search of information and answers.

The group’s main goal is to make Finnish people realise that the changes required to limit the effects of climate change are not bad. They actually make life better. Through the Facebook group, elderly people can share information and advice on different ways we can achieve a greener lifestyle.

The activist grannies consider their main task to be sharing accurate information. Activists in the movement communicate science-based information through different channels in an easy-to-understand format. They also campaign together with different actors and collaborate with other organisations such as the 4H network. In addition, they strive to influence decision-makers who have the power and potential to slow climate change.

A few months ago, Aktivistimummot gave the Finnish railway company VR their Pelargonia award, whose purpose is to highlight pioneers working to tackle climate change and promote biodiversity. This was the fourth time the award was given. VR received the award thanks to their On the Road app, a carbon footprint calculator that encourages sustainable travel, a new carbon-neutral train connection to the Repovesi National Park, and the responsible choices of the buffet car, allowing travellers to enjoy climate-friendly travel snacks.

(Source: https://www.aktivistimummot.fi/)

1. What is said about the organisation Aktivistimummot?
It has grown immensely since it was founded in 2019
The founders wanted to improve the quality of life of their grandkids
The members are a diverse bunch


2. What do the members of the organisation do?
They organise protests and campaigns
They translate and share important information about climate change
They spread knowledge


3. Why did VR receive the award?
Thanks to their user-friendly travel app
Because more people have started choosing trains over cars
Thanks to a recently introduced route