Residents of Tartu are invited to have their say in an open call for ideas for the Downtown Cultural Centre
Tartu City Government Press Release
/ The Tartu City Government invites all interested parties to take part in the open call for ideas for the Downtown Cultural Centre, and think about the additional functions that a modern library and art museum could offer. A summary of the best ideas will be included in the outline for the architectural competition for the Cultural Centre. Ideas are welcome until the end of April.
Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas noted that construction of the Downtown Cultural Centre in the city centre park was agreed upon as an important goal for the City of Tartu in its development plan and comprehensive plan, and that the Riigikogu has also named the Cultural Centre as the number one cultural object of national significance. ‘This building, with the library and art museum serving as anchors, must become a real community centre where everyone has a reason to come and feel at home. That is why we are launching an open call for ideas, so that the people of Tartu can get involved and have their say,’ added the Mayor.
The open call for ideas seeks answers to the questions of what is lacking in the current buildings and what would make the new Cultural Centre special. Also awaited are ideas on how to make the outdoor space around the building both inviting and attractive.
Ideas can be submitted until 30 April, on the Tartu homepage (www.tartu.ee/ideekorje), and on the first floor of the Tartu Art Museum and the Tartu City Public Library. A summary of the best ideas will be added to the terms of reference for the international architectural competition.
In April, co-creation workshops will be held on the topics of mobility and parking, as well as biodiversity and parks, with presentations on completed research along with a discussion on what a good public space could be, that it ensures equal access for all, is green in the best sense of the word, and offers activities for everyone.
The planning of the Downtown Cultural Centre continues with the preparation of a spatial programme, in order to launch an international architectural competition in the second half of the year together with the Estonian Association of Architects.
The Downtown Cultural Centre is, in cooperation between the City of Tartu and the Estonian state, a joint project to build a public library and art museum. In September of last year, the Riigikogu approved the Downtown Cultural Centre as a nationally important cultural building, the construction of which is being financed by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia. The building will be located in the city centre park, to make culture and the arts easily accessible to all. An international architectural competition for the Downtown Cultural Centre will be announced in 2022, construction will start in 2026, and the building will open in 2029.
Additional information: https://www.tartu.ee/sudalinna-kultuurikeskus
For more information, please contact Mayor Urmas Klaas, tel: 513-5145; Tõnis Arjus, Head of the Spatial Design Department, tel: 5304-6148
Last changed 06.05.2022
