Circular Architecture and Construction Training Programme RAK+

The Estonian Centre of Architecture in cooperation with TalTech is conducting a 6-day circular architecture and construction training programme at the request of the Ministry of Climate Change, which is aimed at the representatives of the public, private and non-profit sectors. The aim of the training is to allow employees of the public, private and non-profit sectors to understand the whole picture of circular architecture and construction, to highlight the obstacles to the introduction of circular spatial design as well as to initiate a discussion about how employees of the public, private and non-profit sectors can potentially be involved in the process.

The training programme is primarily aimed at increasing the competence of the public, private and non-profit sectors as knowledgable clients, collaborators and implementers of the principles of circular architecture and construction. The training programme is also aimed at increasing the competence of representatives of the public, private and non-profit sectors as guides and organisers of the design and construction process of buildings in the field of circular architecture and construction, and at increasing the knowledge of the employees and members of non-profit organisations related to spatial design.

As a logical continuation of the current activities, the Estonian Centre for Architecture wishes to continue sharing competencies and best practices with employees of the public, private and non-profit sectors, with the aim of explaining the overall picture, challenges and prospective developments of circular architecture and construction. As a strategic partner, we will involve Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) as one of the leaders and trendsetters of the green transition in Estonia in the collaborative training programme. TalTech contributes to the project with various expertise, from engineering and architecture to materials science. In addition to TalTech experts, various experts from the Estonian Academy of Arts and the University of Tartu have also been involved .

The study days are structured in the form of active learning – through presentations, group discussions and practical tasks, participants can connect theory with everyday work practice. Therefore, we try to combine theoretical topics with practical ones and guide participants to make sense of each topic in the context of a project that is relevant to them. The focus of the training days focus on examples and today’s practice.

The training programme covers a wide range of topics related to the built environment, and the programme is loaded with new information. We have tried to structure the days so that the theoretical part of the lecture alternates with group discussions there is definitely an opportunity to ask questions and discuss with other participants and speakers in a large dicussion circle.

The development and implementation of the training programme will be funded under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The RRF aims to support investments and reforms that are essential for the long-term economic recovery, increasing the economic and social resilience of member states, and supporting the green and digital transitions. Among other things, the work contributes to the creation and development of the New European Bauhaus Academy.

The first group of the training programme started in the autumn 2025 and the second group will start in early 2026.

The training program will take place over six days in different parts of Estonia:

• October 22, 2025
  Topic: Circular Architecture and Construction, Green Transition in the Built Environment
  Location: TalTech
• November 5, 2025
  Topic: Climate-neutral architecture
  Venues: Energy Discovery Centre and Tallinn City Hall
• November 19, 2025
  Study trip to Tartu
  Location: TalTech Tartu College
• December 3, 2025
  Topic: Circular architecture and construction, development perspective of building materials and products
  Location: Elektrilevi Pattern Building
• December 17, 2025
  Topic: Circular Architecture and Construction
  Venues: Kota Club, Krull Quarter
• January 6, 2026
  Study trip to Valga
  Location: Valga Culture House

The training programme will feature renowned experts and practitioners. Among them, Simo Ilomets, Programme Director of the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture at TalTech, Aime Ruus, Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Director of Tartu College, Isabella Priddle, architect at Pihlmann Architects, Kaarel Kuusk, expert in clay construction, and Jürgen Tammepärg, doctoral student and junior researcher at the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, TalTech, Görel Grauding, Head of Construction and Demolition Waste, Circular Economy Department,

Ministry of Climate Change, Kaja Pae, Head of the Construction and Living Environment Department, Regina Viljasaar-Frenzel, Leader of Logisauna, Lenna Hingla, Leading Specialist of Planning at Valga Rural Municipality Government, Jiri Tintera, Tartu City Architect (Tartu City Government) and Margus Tammik the leader of the Vares spatial design residency and architect.

The programme moderator throughout the training sessions is Hannes Praks, a junior research fellow at the TalTech Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture.

The programme was commissioned by the Ministry of Climate Change, and is organised by the Estonian Centre for Architecture and TalTech. The trainings are funded through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

The training is free of charge. Registration is open until October 16.

Additional info and inquiries

Mariann Drell mariann@arhitektuurikeskus.ee

+372 525 3777