Bigbank Architecture Competition Winners TS-Studio Architects Maarja Elm Sadam and Rasmus Soonvald for Tartu Development at the Corner of Magasini and Rüütli Streets

TS-Stuudio OÜ's work "Tahk", authored by architects Maarja Elm Sadam and Rasmus Soonvald, won the public architectural competition announced by Bigbank's subsidiary for the renovation of existing buildings on the property located at Magasini 10, Rüütli 21/23 in Tartu and the design of an environmentally suitable extension, receiving the main prize of 14,000 euros.

The winning work received the highest recognition for its contemporary and functional solution that fits excellently into the historical environment of Tartu's Old Town, commented the jury, which included Parvel Pruunsild and Martin Länts as representatives of the client; Jiri Tintera as Tartu city architect; and Kai Süda and Peeter Pere as independent architects.

Second place and a prize of 10,000 euros went to the competition entry marked with the motto "Bees", authored by KTA Architects, Viktoria Andrejeva, Ott Kadarik, Kaarel Künnap, Aleksei Petrov, Mihkel Raev, Indrek Rünkla, Aleksandr Špakov, Mihkel Tüür. According to the jury's assessment, the project that received second prize stood out for its innovative approach to public space, sensitive use of materials, and an approach that enriches the urban environment.

Third place and a prize of 7,000 euros was awarded to the competition entry marked with the motto "Network", authored by Walk Office (Spain) and Architectural Bureau Apex, Pedro Arroyo García, Marta Blanco Muruzabal, Hilda Aguirre Leon and Ove Oot. Regarding the work that came in third place, the jury highly valued clear and simple spatial decisions and functionally well-working floor plan solutions.

An encouragement prize of 4,000 euros went to the competition entry marked with the motto "Old Town Courtyards", authored by architects Alvin Järving, Ott Alver, Mari Rass, Rasmus Pikk, Patrick Barbo, Lill Volmer, Lukas Laubre and Elis Kevvai. Regarding the work that received the encouragement prize, the jury highlighted an original approach and a representative architectural approach suitable for a bank building.

According to Jiri Tintera, jury member and Tartu city architect, the winning work adds an exciting new layer to Tartu's Old Town and thereby enriches the valuable environment there.

According to Janek Pakler, Bigbank's management director, negotiations will begin with the competition winner to conclude a contract for project development. Since it is an area in Tartu's Old Town, according to Pakler, in addition to design work, archaeological excavations must also be carried out on the site. Since the beginning and duration of the excavations are not yet known, it is not yet possible to predict the start of construction or its completion deadline.

The 1,584 square meter property in Tartu belongs to Bigbank's subsidiary Rüütli Majad OÜ, and the bank intends to return its Tartu office there after renovation and construction. In addition to a bank office and office space, residential space is also planned for the buildings.

The site is bounded on one side by the downtown pedestrian street from Rüütli Street, and on the other side it is located on the edge of Magasini Street. The site has two buildings that will remain, and the valid detailed plan allows for the addition of another building volume to the site.

According to Tartu's general plan, this is a city center land area where commercial buildings, public buildings, higher education buildings and apartment buildings can be concentrated. The competition aims to densify the Old Town fabric and to construct a new building of high architectural quality, which is planned to include activities suitable for a bank, commercial space and apartments.