Archiprix International 2001
Estonian Academy of Arts, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning - Tallinn, Estonia
Veronika Valk
Tutors: Andres Alver, Inga Raukas, Villem Tomiste
The government is considering combining the two biggest universities of Tallinn into one Tallinn University. Tallinn lacks low-cost tourist accommodation that is easily accessible from the harbour – apartment-type studios that tourists could rent on their own terms. Tallinn plans to invest in social housing in the coming years. Growing privatization of apartments and the expanding suburban sprawl of one-family houses have left stranded those city dwellers who do not have the means or will to buy a house, but would like to rent quality living space. The current thesis is based on a new high-speed tramline along the coast as the starting point for the area’s further development. The housing system proposed is a campus during the academic year, functioning as a tourist hotel in summer. Hostel units are spread throughout the waterfront area – still underdeveloped – and mingled with various programmes (cultural centre, entertainment facility, port, exclusive dwelling, greenery, etc.). This hybridization creates synergy vital for development. The tramline ties the campus into one environment. The new tramline speeds through a landscape of different environments and urban events – opera, wooden districts, conference centre, passenger terminal, parks, yacht harbour, balloon museum, pedestrian squares, etc. Five sites were chosen as locations for the accommodation. The size, convenience and character of a housing unit vary according to the urban situation and adjacent activities. During our research, it became evident how commercial activity tends to accumulate at tram stops, although more elitist housing nestles right by the sea for scenic views. Low-cost student housing can squeeze in between the two. The significance of bringing students and tourists to seaside area lies in establishing their city dwelling patterns. To those people, Tallinn is primarily presented as a waterfront city. By giving open-minded urbanites the best location in town, the city roots them firmly in Tallinn and can hope for some return on its investments in the future. The proposed development strategy also works also for other programmes such as sports, leisure, museums, ports, commerce, etc.