Roots & Routes- Tartu’s Central Park and Cultural Center

Estonia is home to a rich and diverse forest landscape with ancient forest, wetland, meadow, and other natural elements. In traditional Estonian culture, the forest plays a sacred role in symbolizing growth, regulation, and foundation of community. However, Estonia has one of the highest rates of forest loss in Europe, making it imperative to protect its remaining forests. Thus, the project site becomes a perfect stage to appreciate an important, yet endangered, icon – the forest. Right now, the Central Park of Tartu currently offers many assets to the city and its people. Tartu’s proposal to locate the new Cultural Center within Central Park has caused concern in the community. Roots and Routes offers a design solution that expands the park’s current function, while integrating a new flexible cultural center for the city to gather.

The Roots and Routes aims to reinvigorate Central Park as an integrated forest park and cultural center. The design proposal emphasizes the importance of giving the land back to nature. To achieve this goal, the design proposes to increase the number of trees in the park by almost 40%, creating an interactive landscape that links back to the country’s roots. This forest will offer a variety of activities, such as berry picking in the summer and winter cross-country skiing, making it a flexible space for people to enjoy all year round. Additionally, the design acknowledges the country’s versatile landscape by utilizing natural elements, such as bogs, to incorporate stormwater management for the area. The design increases the forest density, and the forest foliage coverage will provide shade in the summer, and wind-block in the winter.

The proposal focuses on two hikes – a “Cultural Route” connecting various programs used in different seasons, and a “Landscape Route” expanding the park’s activities year-round. Both hikes begin with a grand stair and offer flexibility and resilience to change. Visitors can explore the interconnectedness of the programs and the park’s capabilities, making it a dynamic cultural and recreational space.