Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre Architecture Competition
Tartu, the intellectual heart of Estonia, is embarking on a project to create a vibrant cultural hub and urban space along the river, Emajõgi, in the city centre. The Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre Architecture Competition aimed to find the best architectural design for this significant development, setting the stage for a new era of cultural engagement in the city.
The Tartu Cultural Centre Architecture Competition was organized by the Estonian Association of Architects and the Tartu city government.
OÜ Kolm Pluss Üks won €60,000 for their design “Paabel” praised for its cohesive architectural solution, elegant design, and integration into the urban context. Sterling Presser, WEST 8, Projekt Kuubis, and Platfrom 78 presented a notable proposal that highlighted creativity in designing an environment encouraging communal gathering and developing human-scale public space.
New Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre Overview
The new Tartu Cultural Centre is anticipated to be a diverse, inclusive downtown architecture hub that will include important future cultural spaces, like:
- a city library
- the Tartu Art Museum
- an event centre
- active park
- other facilities
This positioning it as a key cultural space in Tartu’s future. The architecture competition aimed to find the most suitable architectural design for the building and outdoor spaces, ensuring seamless integration into the urban landscape and creating a human-scale public space that would serve as a focal point for the community.
Situated on the waterfront of the river, Emajõgi, the Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre will play a vital role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape and will serve as a new cultural centre. Architects from around the globe participated in the international competition, each eager to submit their designs for this transformative project.

International architecture competition / Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre Architecture and ‘Kultuuripark’, Estonia / Architects and landscape architect: Sterling Presser + WEST8 + Projekt Kuubis + Platform 78 / The four seasons ‘Summer’ – aerial view of the culture architecture showing revitalization of urban district that brings the balance betweenpublic space design and, urban density challenges, flood protection infrastructure, and creating buildings with local and seasonal use like the Tartu Art Museum, city library or event centre: RNDR
New Tartu Cultural Centre International Architecture Competition Details
The Estonian Association of Architects and the Tartu city government organized the Tartu Cultural Centre Architecture Competition. The competition sought architectural designs that would not only create a beautiful and functional building but also integrate into the existing urban environment and develop human-scale public space.
#1 Key Dates and Deadlines
The competition was announced on 02 January 2023, with the registration deadline set for 05 May 2023. The jury evaluated the entries based on their design quality, urban integration, and the creation of impressive interior and exterior spaces of the new downtown cultural centre with the Tartu art museum, event centre, city library, and human-scale public space.
The winning concept would then serve as the foundation for the city’s detailed plan process for the New Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre.
#2 Judging Criteria
The criteria for evaluating the Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre Architecture Competition entries were:
- Design suitability to the competition brief
- Spatial integration
- Design functionality
- Innovation and originality
- Environmental considerations
- Form
The jury members, selected by the competition organizers Urban Environment Design (UED), were tasked with finding the design that best met these criteria and would contribute positively to the city’s cultural landscape.
Winning Design: “Paabel” by OÜ Kolm Pluss Üks
Estonian architecture bureau OÜ Kolm Pluss Üks submitted the winning design, “Paabel”. The jury, chaired by the Mayor of Tartu Urmas Klaas, praised “Paabel” for its cohesive architectural solution and elegant design, stating that it was the strongest work in terms of architecture, functionality, and well-developed outdoor space solution.
OÜ Kolm Pluss Üks received the €60,000 prize for their design, and their design will underpin the construction project for the Tartu Cultural Centre in Estonia. The winning design was particularly commended for:
- Its integration into the urban space
- Remarkable interior design
- Balanced outdoor spaces that met all the requirements for biodiversity and practical use of the urban space.

A view of the winning design in cultural centre architecture competition called “Paabel” by OÜ Kolm Pluss Üks.
#1 Integration into Urban Space
“Paabel” was designed to blend seamlessly into Tartu’s urban landscape, providing an open and inviting public space for people to gather and appreciate the city. The design honors the city’s traditional architecture while incorporating a modern and contemporary aesthetic, ensuring the cultural centre will become an integral part of the cityscape.
As a result, “Paabel” will contribute to the cultural and architectural identity of Tartu, becoming a focal point for public and cultural activities in the heart of the city.
#2 Impressive Interior and Outdoor Spaces
“Paabel’s” interior spaces are structured to host a variety of cultural events and activities, emphasizing local culture and artwork to craft distinctive and dynamic spaces. The building and outdoor space, including an active park, with their seamless integration into the surrounding urban environment, are designed to enhance the quality of the urban environment and provide a visually appealing and connected space for the local community.
The use of sustainable design elements, such as reclaimed wood and rawhide, as well as the incorporation of natural elements like plants and water, further emphasize the commitment to creating a harmonious and eco-friendly cultural centre.
Other Notable Entry – Sterling Presser and WEST 8 Proposal of Building and Outdoor Space
Sterling Presser and WEST 8, two internationally recognized design firms known for their innovative and cooperative approach to intricate design challenges, submitted another noteworthy entry in the competition. Their proposal for the Tartu Cultural Centre in Estonia focused on creating an environment for communal gatherings and emphasized the integration of the public into the design process.
While the proposal by Sterling Presser and WEST 8 did not ultimately win the competition, it showcased the talent and creativity of the architects involved and provided a unique vision for the future of the Tartu Cultural Centre. Their design showcased an in-depth comprehension of Tartu’s urban landscape alongside a dedication to establish a dynamic and inclusive space for the city’s inhabitants.
Explore further details regarding competition renderings in this article: Our Case Study: 3D Renderings Creation for International Architecture Competition – Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre with Sterling Presser, West 8, Projekt Kuubis and Platfrom 78.

International architecture competition / Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre ‘Kultuuripark’, Estonia / Architects and landscape architect contest participants: Sterling Presser + WEST8 + Projekt Kuubis + Platform 78 / The four seasons ‘Autumn’ – 3D rendering presenting public landscape design – featuring indoor and outdoor spaces: RNDR
Architectural Renderings Supporting Competition Entry
The diverse architectural renderings submitted with competition entries offered insights into the potential future of the Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre, exhibiting creative and forward-thinking designs that encapsulated the essence of the project brief.
From the winning design by OÜ Kolm Pluss Üks to the innovative proposal by Sterling Presser and WEST 8, these renderings illustrated the depth of talent and creativity within the field of architecture, providing a solid foundation for the development of the Tartu Cultural Centre in Estonia.
Learn additional information about competition renderings in this article: How Can Your Architecture Competition Presentation Level Up?

International architecture competition / Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre Architecture and ‘Kultuuripark’, Estonia / Architects and landscape architect contest participants: Sterling Presser + WEST8 + Projekt Kuubis + Platform 78 / The four seasons ‘Winter’ – integrating architecture courtyard between buildings, with ice skating areas, different elevations and visual variety: RNDR
The Future of Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre after Architecture Competition
Now that the winning design of the architecture competition “Paabel” has been chosen, the future realization of the Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre is on the horizon. The development will play a vital role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape, providing an inviting and adaptive atmosphere for Tartu’s diverse population. The cultural centre will serve as a focal point for public and cultural activities, including:
- a city library
- an art museum
- an event centre
- other facilities
This will contribute to the city’s public and important future cultural spaces in the future.
The successful conclusion of the architectural competition signifies the start of the city’s detailed planning for the Tartu Cultural Centre, anticipating construction completion by 2029. The winning design will be the foundation for this process, ensuring that the cultural centre meets the highest standards of architectural and urban design.
As the Tartu Cultural Centre in Estonia takes shape, it will stand as a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape. This development is not only an exciting addition to the city’s architectural heritage but also a powerful symbol of Tartu’s dedication to providing a welcoming and engaging environment for its residents and visitors alike.

International architecture competition / Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre Architecture and ‘Kultuuripark’, Estonia / Architects and landscape architect participants: Sterling Presser + WEST8 + Projekt Kuubis + Platform 78 / The four seasons ‘Spring’ – interior rendering present city library concept: RNDR
Tartu and Estonian Architecture
Tartu and Estonia have a rich and diverse architectural history, spanning from the late 19th century to the present day. Eminent architects like:
- Louis Kahn
- Alvar Aalto
- Eero Saarinen
- Jüri Okas
- Raine Karp
have left a strong impression on the international stage, demonstrating the talent and creativity inherent in the Estonian architectural community.
Beyond individual architects, several prominent architectural firms have risen from Estonia, adding to the country’s architectural legacy and molding the urban landscape on both local and international levels.
#1 Tallinn Architecture Biennale
Held in Estonia’s capital and largest city, Tallinn, the Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) is a biennial international architecture festival. Since its inception in 2011, TAB has been organized by the Estonian Centre for Architecture and has aimed to address relevant issues in architecture, exploring the present and future of the field.
With exhibitions, installations, and events centered around various themes and topics related to architecture, the Tallinn Architecture Biennale held, has become a significant event in the world of Estonian architecture and cultural fields.
#2 Prominent Estonian Architects and Firms
Both in Estonia and internationally, Estonian architects and firms have substantially influenced the field of architecture. Renowned architects such as Kalle Vellevoog and leading architectural firms like AA Arhitektid OÜ have contributed to the country’s architectural heritage with a diverse range of projects, from the Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre to the Estonian National Museum.
Downtown Cultural Centre Architecture Competition Summary
The Tartu Downtown Cultural Centre Architecture Competition results have showcased the creativity of architects from around the world, culminating in the selection of the winning design “Paabel” by OÜ Kolm Pluss Üks.
As Tartu embarks on this complex project in a sensitive location next to the river, Emajõgi, the new event centre filled with art an museum, active park and more, will not only transform Tartu’s urban landscape but also create a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging space for residents and visitors alike.