Raadi Education Complex

2022 / Special award / 22 260 m2

Authors: Gert Gurjev, Markus Kaasik, Helin Kuldkepp, Jana Pärn, Siim Tiisvelt

Proposal for a new educational complex in Raadi (Tartu Parish) consisting of a school, sports hall, and kindergarten. The new Raadi Education and Community Center has the potential to become the vibrant heart of Tartu Municipality. Iur proposal aimed at creating a solution worthy of being the center of community life. The building’s location, segmentation, and the design of its surrounding outdoor space provide opportunities for versatile use, where every visitor and daily user can find places both indoors and outdoors to nurture creativity, stay active, or simply enjoy their time.

The building’s placement and volumetric segmentation zone the large plot into several distinct areas. The educational center’s branching wings are positioned predominantly in the northern part of the plot, dividing it into two sections. To the north lies a more formal and representative area, featuring the main entrances. To the south, an intimate forest park zone emerges, incorporating various play areas, relaxation spots, and activity zones. This described division aligns with the general planning context, where the formal northern side connects with planned apartment buildings and commercial facilities, while the southern park area transitions into a residential neighborhood of single-family homes.