Downtown Cultural and Community Centre
Tartu - Estonia

Our design blends into its surroundings, like a fallen book gracefully resting on the earth with its curved leaves. Drawing inspiration from the site's rich history, nestled amidst the greenery by the river and the old town, our goal was to create a significant cultural center that connects with the community and embraces nature. The living roof, adorned with a lush garden and accessible terraces, offers breathtaking views of the city, river, and the surrounding green landscape. Inside, the cultural heart of the building features a library, art museum, cinema, and more. The open and accessible first floor welcomes visitors, inviting them to explore and immerse themselves in the cultural offerings. Sustainability and environmental responsibility were fundamental pillars of our approach. We integrated a photovoltaic glass roof on the urban side, harnessing the power of the sun to generate energy for the building. The green roof acts as a thermic stabilizer, regulating indoor temperatures and reducing the building's ecological footprint.