The Estonian Centre for Architecture (ECA) was established within the framework of the Year of Architecture in 2008 by the Estonian Academy of Arts and the Union of Estonian Architects. ECA’s activities focus on developing architectural culture in Estonia and promoting contemporary Estonian architecture abroad. ECA is a non-profit institution.

Our mission is to promote and develop contemporary Estonian architecture and urban planning, to raise awareness of architecture and to collect, exchange, mediate and disseminate architectural information in Estonia and abroad.

The aim of the centre is to integrate knowledge about and competence in architecture with other areas of society, contributing to the development and innovation of areas related to architecture.

ECA wishes to reach different audiences by operating at several levels: individual, national, regional and global. The Estonian Centre for Architecture is shaping the international image of Estonian architecture by organising the Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) and the Estonian exposition at the Venice Architecture Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia). In addition, the centre organises architectural tours, Open House Tallinn, Urban Forums, conducts development training in the Estonian architectural sector and issues publications introducing contemporary architecture.

ECA works with other similar organisations across the world – the city of Tallinn, several Estonian ministries and local government across the country, companies and entrepreneurs – to synthesise information and a variety of goals, when conceptualising and creating better public space.

From May 2023 the chairman of the Estonian Centre for Architecture is Hannes Praks. Hannes Praks is an interior architect, materials designer, former head and professor of the Department of Interior Architecture at the Estonian Academy of Arts. He graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts (EAA) in 2000 with a degree in interior architecture, from 2014 to 2019, Praks worked as the head of the Department of Interior Architecture and professor at EAA, significantly updating the curriculum, paying attention to sustainable design, and developing the skills of conceptual thinking.

In addition to the EAA, Praks has also worked as a lecturer in Palestine, running a studio that focused on the role of architect engaging with vulnerable communities in a refugee camp. Praks has also led a popular summer school on timber construction in Soomaa, attended by students and lecturers from top architecture schools around the world. In his latest venture, Praks, together with former EAA colleagues and students, founded kuidas.works, a materials design and research studio focusing on the reprocessing of mineral waste.

Estonian Centre for Architecture’s (ECA) rooms (Kursi 3, Tallinn) have a great location and are fit for hosting seminars, schooling, celebrations or other types of events. On the edge of the old town, the architecture and design hub, an inspiring former industrial plant turned contemporary event venue, was refurbished in 2014 and our rental spaces feature contemporary audio systems, video screening equipment and anything else needed for seminars and business meetings. We also offer catering for either coffee breaks, lunches or even dinner. We can meet special requests in terms of audio and video equipment as well as event recording.

HOW TO REACH US

The Board of the Estonian Centre of Architecture oversees the activities of the organisation and is in charge of selecting, appointing, supporting and reviewing the performance of the chief executive. Board consists of 5 members and meets every three months.

The General Assembly the Estonian Centre for Architecture is the supreme body of the Centre and meets at least once a year.

Board and General Assembly members

• Andro Mänd, General Assembly representative (Union of Estonian Architects);
• Sille Pihlak, General Assembly representative (Estonian Academy of Arts);
• Peeter Pere, Chairman of the Board (Union of Estonian Architects);
• Kristjan Mitt, Member of the Board;
• Heldur Meerits, Member of the Board;
• Ivo Jaanisoo, Member of the Board;
• Ville Jehe, Member of the Board;
• Indrek Allmann, Member of the Board.