Tartu Downtown culture center

Over the past hundred years, the historical traces left by Tartu seem to be within reach, waiting for people to touch. However, these histories lie underground like the roots of a tree. Our main challenge was to remain in close contact with history while preserving the surface structure. We understand that the essence of sustainable development lies in the delicate balance of meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.Therefore, we choose to let people bring history into the cycle of life, just like the flowers blooming and falling in nature, giving it new life.

Client

Tartu city government / Estonian Association of Architects

Type

Architecture / Masterplan

Year

2023

Status

Concept

Size

18246 m²

Location

Tarku

Team

Kai Wang, Qi Luo, Chenyu Yang, Linhui Xia

Over the past hundred years, the historical traces left by Tartu seem to be within reach, waiting for people to touch. However, these histories lie underground like the roots of a tree. Our main challenge was to remain in close contact with history while preserving the surface structure. We understand that the essence of sustainable development lies in the delicate balance of meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.Therefore, we choose to let people bring history into the cycle of life, just like the flowers blooming and falling in nature, giving it new life.

We combined the three-layer texture of underground historical relics, surface road systems and vegetation into underground and above ground. In this space, people can touch history during activities and feel the intersection of time. The library in the center of the surface is also an indispensable part of the design. It seems to be nourished by the underground history and blooming on the site.The elements above and below the ground blend seamlessly, creating a vibrant space for history to thrive, while also securing a legacy for the future

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