Salto AB | Tartu Kesklinna School Extension

in Architecture by editor — 6:39 am | June 22, 20110 comments

The extension to Tartu Kesklinna School provides additional functions and opportunities to the historical building, doing this without overshadowing the old volume but rather as an intelligent accesory to it.

The new volume 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, both in terms of making active use of the courtyard with the outdoor auditorium as well as domesticating the previously underused park-like backyard.

In a playful way, it is possible to move either over the building or beneath it, where the main entrance lies. Blueberry pattern is enlivening the ascetic facade shell. The building is an attempt at being child-friendly without being childish.

Location: Kroonuaia 7, Tartu, Estonia
Architect: Salto AB
Project Team: Maarja Kask, Karli Luik, Ralf Lõoke, Kristiina Arusoo
Graphic pattern: Mammut
Size: 2500 sqm
Project year: 2005-2007
Photographers: Reio Avaste, Martin Siplane & Karli Luik