The new head of Estonian Centre for Architecture is Kristiina Reidolv

As of May 1, 2025, Kristiina Reidolv has taken the helm of the Estonian Centre for Architecture, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the strategic development and leadership of cultural institutions.

Kristiina Reidolv is a highly regarded cultural leader and producer whose work has focused on building, launching, and developing cultural organizations. She played a key role in the creation and management of the performing arts center Vaba Lava in both Tallinn and Narva, including overseeing its design and construction. In addition, she launched the Viimsi Artium cultural and education center and led the Tartu Centre for Creative Industries and the Tartu Film Fund. Reidolv has also served as Executive Director of the Estonian Association of Performing Arts Institutions and was the main organizer of the Tartu PÖFF and Tartuff film festivals.

She began contributing to the Estonian Centre for Architecture already in January 2024 as a strategic advisor, assisting in the development of a circular architecture strategy. In the 2023/2024 academic year, she participated in Aalto University’s “Business of Culture” program for Nordic and Baltic cultural leaders, focusing on leadership strategies and international cooperation. She is currently completing her doctoral studies in theatre research at the University of Tartu.

“I bring to the field of architecture my experience in strategic cultural development and leadership, including from umbrella organizations, as well as knowledge and skills in organizing major events and festivals,” says Reidolv. “As Director of the Estonian Centre for Architecture, I will focus on three key areas: development of the architecture field, including knowledge transfer with universities (R&D) and promoting architecture in Estonia and internationally; large-scale event production; and partnerships with both the public and private sectors.”

The Centre’s previous Director, Hannes Praks, will continue his work on circular architecture as a junior researcher at Tallinn University of Technology’s Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, within the Nearly Zero Energy Buildings research group. Over the past two years, Praks has contributed significantly to the development of Estonian architecture, launching the Circular Architecture Accelerator training program at the Centre, as well as training for local government specialists focused on sustainable architecture and circular construction in collaboration with TalTech and the Ministry of Climate. He also helped develop the popular public events Open House Tartu and Open House Tallinn, and co-developed the Spatial Planning training program commissioned by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture.

The Estonian Centre for Architecture was founded in 2008 by the Estonian Association of Architects and the Estonian Academy of Arts. ECA focuses on contemporary Estonian architecture and its future. Its mission is to promote and develop modern Estonian architecture and urban planning, raise awareness of architecture, collect and disseminate architectural information both domestically and internationally.

The Centre shapes Estonia’s international architectural identity by organizing the Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) and Estonia’s participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia). Additionally, the Centre conducts architecture tours, organizes Open House Tallinn, Urban Forums, architecture competitions and exhibitions, provides sectoral development training, and publishes materials on contemporary architecture.

Contact:

Kristiina Reidolv
Director, Estonian Centre for Architecture
Tel: +372 55 25258
Email: kristiina@arhitektuurikeskus.ee
www.arhitektuurikeskus.ee