Tartu Kesklinna School Extension
Architects
Karli Luik
Maarja Kask
Ralf Lõoke
Salto Architects
Invited competition
2005, 1st prize
Location
Tartu, Estonia
Size
2500m2
Status
Completed in 2007
Client
Tartu City Government
Photos
Martin Siplane, Reivo Avaste, Karli Luik
Typology
Awarded Projects, Public Projects
Tags
The extension to Tartu Kesklinna School provides additional functions and opportunities to the historical building without overshadowing the old volume but rather as an intelligent accessory to it. The new volume nevertheless avoids pretentiousness, interacting with the user as an equal partner, creating a diverse, friendly and light-hearted environment.
The building tries to activate the surroundings by making active use of the courtyard with the outdoor auditorium and domesticating the previously underused park-like backyard. The courtyard is playfully accessible through going underneath the building or through it on the first floor where the main entrance also lies. The blueberry pattern on the ascetic facades enlivens the outer shell of the building.
The new school extension is an attempt at building a child-friendly environment without seeming overly childish.
