Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture".
The project involves the creation of an ecological living environment that is designed to be compatible with the alternative lifestyle of Tallinners. The proposed concept envisages spaces combining residential development, services, public buildings, recreational activity zones with ecological solutions in order to increase the quality of life of residents.
urbanistic assumption
© Miriam Mik
The development was created on a modular grid of 8.10 by 8.10 meters, it was applied throughout the study area. The premise was to introduce a residential function on the side of the city as a continuation of the way Kopla Street was developed. The service function was introduced on the side of the tracks. In order to cancel out noise, the height of the buildings was increased to four stories in their vicinity. In the services next to the traffic module, integration and recreation space was introduced, as well as libraries for employees and residents of the development. On the facades, panels with hanging greenery were used as an additional acoustic barrier to the buildings.
urbanistic projection
© Miriam Mik
The residential function, with three floors, alternates with a smaller communication module. The use of different types of apartments (area from thirty to one hundred square meters) will naturally attract a diverse group of residents, which is an important factor in creating a lively urban environment.
cross-section of the urban establishment
© Miriam Mik
Two types of facades of residential complexes have been distinguished, which will highlight their individual properties. The range of cladding refers to traditional materials found in the historic part of Tallinn, such as wood, brick and natural stone. The development modules have also been connected to underground parking. Educational facilities have been created at the ends of the development area. Modules with an integration and service and leisure function, such as a café or stores with local food, have also been planned in the development. The zones allow the integration of residents of the development and the city. Areas for residential community meetings are also provided, and can also be used for parties.
left: the lay of the land of the development; right: functional analyses
© Miriam Mik
The project uses ecological solutions in the form of solar energy generation and rainwater storage. Inside the developed area, it was planned to create interactive greenhouses that allow residents to grow plants. One of them was designed for children. In order to relate to the character of the surrounding buildings, the concept of the new facilities uses pitched roofs with an angle of forty degrees.
diagram of the type of housing
© Miriam Mik
The traffic solution concept includes the extension of Volta and Kungla Streets to connect the Kalamaja and Pelgulinn neighborhoods. In this section, it was proposed to let the tracks go underground, and create a park on the reclaimed land. This solution allowed for the placement of an additional residential development zone on the east side. In the transportation layer, the different parts are connected by bicycle and pedestrian paths. The development was shaped to create intimate urban interiors, into which recreational zones provided for the youngest and for the leisure of the elderly were inserted.
urbanistic interiors
© Miriam Mik
As a result of combining residential, office, integration and educational zones, a coherent living space has been created. The introduction of eco-friendly energy generation solutions will reduce the harmful impact on the environment. Excess energy will be used in the development's surroundings - so it will serve not only the estate's residents, but also the neighborhood. The estate creates not only environmental and financial value, but also social value, providing a basis for building a sense of community.
Miriam MIK
Illustrations: © Author
