University Seeks a New Urban Design Solution for Its Narva Road Frontage

Tallinn University, in cooperation with the Estonian Association of Architects, has launched an architectural competition to redesign the section of Narva Road located directly in front of the university. The aim is to create a representative, multifunctional, and pedestrian-friendly urban space that enhances the university’s visibility in the cityscape and brings together its diverse academic buildings into a coherent whole.

The competition organisers envision that the redesigned streetscape will be implemented in parallel with the City of Tallinn’s planned cycling infrastructure along Narva Road. At the same time, the proposed solutions must remain feasible even if the construction of the cycle path is postponed or does not take place.

The competition area covers a 170-metre-long section of Narva Road, one of the city’s key urban thoroughfares. In addition to a cohesive and contemporary streetscape, design proposals are expected to include ideas for an outdoor exhibition platform. Both the informational elements and exhibition content should be at least partially adaptable and regularly updateable. The entrances to the university buildings, together with the exhibition elements, should be integrated into the streetscape as a natural and accessible part of the pedestrian environment through architectural and design solutions.

There is no mature high greenery within the competition area. The tall hedge and front garden in front of the Terra building form an integral part of the building’s architectural composition, and any interventions related to them require a particularly sensitive and carefully considered approach. The overarching expectation is that the perceived presence of greenery throughout the competition area should not decrease but rather increase.

Although the redesign of a longer section of Narva Road is not the objective of this competition, proposals will be stronger if they successfully connect the competition area with adjacent street sections and offer inspiration for the future development of Narva Road as a whole.

The competition entries are expected to present comprehensive proposals addressing streetscape design, traffic organisation (including pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, private vehicles, and service traffic), landscaping, lighting, seating, small-scale urban elements, building entrances, accessibility, and wayfinding and information design.

“The authors of the competition entries face a considerable challenge: despite the limited space, expectations are high. We hope that architects will find smart and functional solutions that respect the specific character of the university campus while also creating a comfortable and well-considered urban environment,” said Kristi Vinter-Nemvalts, Chancellor of Tallinn University.

The deadline for submitting competition entries is 16 April 2026, and the winners will be announced no later than the first half of May 2026.

The total prize fund amounts to €46,000, distributed as follows: first prize €14,000, second prize €12,000, third prize €8,000, and two encouragement prizes of €6,000 each.

The jury includes representatives of Tallinn University, the Estonian Association of Architects, the Estonian Association of Landscape Architects, and professionals in architecture, design, and urban mobility. In addition, heritage conservation and urban studies experts are involved in the jury’s work in an advisory capacity.