AUTHORS: ARCHITECT11
LOCATION: narva mnt, 18, tARTU
COMPETITION: 1ST PLACE 2016 OPEN ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITION
STATUS: BUILT IN 2020
CATEGORY: ARCHITECTURE I INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE I PUBLIC BUILDINGS
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The design competition for the University of Tartu IT Centre set a challenging task: how to create a building that unites three different fields – IT disciplines, mathematics and economics – into a single whole? Our solution ICONICUM won the competition out of six candidates because we understood that it is not simply a mechanical merger of three departments. The heart of the building – a centrally located collaboration zone and an architectural solution emphasizing vertical connections – tells the story of how science is born at meeting points where different disciplines inspire each other on a daily basis.
ICONICUM understands that science is never finished – it is constantly evolving. The planned two-part construction process creates a strong foundation that allows for logical expansion in the future. This is not just a building, but a system of adaptive spaces that can respond to changes in teaching and research methods. In the autumn semester of 2019, the doors will open to spaces that have already set a goal with their design: to contribute to the upbringing of the next generation of technology leaders in Estonia.
SITE PLAN
The planning starting point for the project is the general plan of the Tartu city center and the urban spatial analysis, which gives meaning to the entire area to be built in a broader urban planning sense.
The location of the building tries to make maximum use of the riverside frontage within the construction area, and when reaching the Vabaduse Bridge, it breaks into the plot at right angles, forming a spacious square that allows for the movement of a large number of people, for organizing smaller outdoor events and outdoor exhibitions.
In terms of volume, it is divided into two arms, which could be called the northern arm and the western arm. The northern arm is wider and is crossed by light wells, around which rooms intended for group work and meetings are concentrated.
PLOT 11 785 m²
GROSS AREA 16 123 m²
BUILDING AREA 6 007 m²
I building phase 4 590 m²
II building phase 1 417 m²
FLOORS 4
PARKING SPACES 72
The perimeter with natural light, on the other hand, has been left as a groove for workspaces. The western wing interacts with the river as much as possible. The café there opens onto the river with terraces, and the atrium offers a view across the river to the heart of Tartu.
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
The building's location in a very special natural place in terms of urban space gives the interior architecture the opportunity to play with a body of water and nature. Movement and constant development symbolize the capabilities of IT, creating a tangible proximity between distant places and new opportunities. The interior architecture uses the recreational areas opening up on the two lower floors, which allow visitors to the atrium, café and library to enjoy the view and relax from their studies.
Visually, we develop a monochrome spatial solution of light-white and warm wood, adding small sensitive details to the IT area. The effect of the rooms is the warm-toned stone tiles and the staircase, the color accents of which create seats and colorful chairs designed for students.
The building has two main entrances from the street, from the courtyard, which is created in a narrow and high opening in the entrance area. The central element of the foyer is a wide staircase between two smaller auditoriums, from which you can access the atrium on the second floor. All floors are also accessible by elevator, ensuring the building is fully accessible to the community and visitors.
Photos: Maris Tomba and Evari Erm
