Swedbank Financial Literacy Center

An interactive learning environment where playful, hands-on exhibits connect topics from budgeting to sustainable finance, engaging visitors through movement, collaboration, and dynamic spatial design.

Client:

Swedbank AS

Location:

Tallinn, Estonia

Exhibition area:

161,7 m²

Year:

2025

Scope of work:

Design, development, engineering, production, installation, project management, graphic design and trainings.

Interior architecture:

KOKO architects

Awards:

Golden Egg Design Award (Kuldmuna): Environmental Design Bronze  Investment Achievement of the Year 2026 (Top 3 finalist)

Photography:

Silver Raidla

Video:

Marko Koks

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About

The Financial Literacy Center is an interactive learning environment in Tallinn, located at the Swedbank AS headquarters.

Designed primarily for students aged 14–19, it builds interest and practical knowledge in money management through activities and discussions. 

The program covers key topics such as budgeting, investing, sustainable borrowing, entrepreneurship, and responsible consumption. Using hands-on, game-based learning, the center makes financial education engaging and accessible. After the activities, students receive feedback and continue with guided discussions in a seminar setting.

History

The concept for the Financial Literacy Center was developed by the client in parallel with the planning of the new Swedbank AS headquarters, with the aim of creating a dedicated and interactive learning space. Although the initial plan included presenting the bank’s history, the client decided—considering  the size and location of the space—to focus primarily on a playful, game-based environment where young people can gain practical financial skills.

The client also chose to integrate a historic vault from the previous headquarters, dating back to the last century, as a key element of the center. Weighing three tons, the vault required structural floor reinforcements and was brought into the building through a window. Today, it functions as an interactive feature where participants discover rewards and explore replica gold bars after completing the activities.

Highlight

The strongest validation of the project came immediately after launch - when booking opened for teachers, the schedule for the entire semester was filled within just two days. Interest has remained consistently high, with very few cancellations.

Equally notable is the level of engagement: students are so absorbed in the activities that the usual urge to check their phones disappears. The games successfully capture attention across age groups, making the experience both educational and genuinely engaging.

Insights

The center demonstrates how every detail of the environment supports learning. Every corner is used to reinforce financial literacy—from game zones to small investment tips, even in the restrooms.

An interesting observation is that young participants often perform better in the activities than adults, approaching tasks more intuitively, while adults tend to overthink. This highlights the effectiveness of playful, hands-on learning.

Watch the video

00:47

Swedbank Financial Literacy Center

14.05.2026

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