Ülemiste Concept

2020 / Concept / u 455 000 m2

Authors: Gert Guriev, Karin Harkmaa, Markus Kaasik, Kerstin Kivila, Hanna-Liisa Mõtus, Siim Tiisvelt, Ilmar Valdur

The vision for the Ülemiste and Tallinn Airport area has been developed with a focus on spatial development by 2045. The main goal of this project is to conceptualize the planning and architectural principles of the Ülemiste area, taking into account the expansion of the airport, the Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal, and the prospective Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel.

In our vision, we foresee a dense urban development for the Ülemiste area. The entire development is oriented towards the lake, forming new blocks across the area.

Adjacent to European Square, there will be a district of symbolic buildings featuring architecturally distinctive structures designed by renowned architects. These symbolic buildings will not form a straight edge along the square, creating various dynamic spaces between them. The symbolic buildings are primarily entertainment-oriented, ensuring the edge of the square remains actively used.

A unique feature of Tallinn Airport is its location within the city. This allows travelers to step directly into the heart of Estonia, transitioning seamlessly from the terminal to the city. With the upcoming addition of the Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal, this area is transforming into Estonia’s gateway. A square connecting the two terminals alone will not suffice to create a high-quality, people-friendly urban environment if the surrounding area continues to develop based on the street structures inherited from its industrial past.

Instead, the Ülemiste area should be approached as a "keystone" between the city center and the airport, considering Tallinn’s new four-pronged development scheme. In this scheme, the city does not end at the airport but extends further into Rae Parish, a rapidly growing municipality near Tallinn with a significant population. Rae Parish represents an integral extension of the city’s urban fabric, lying closest to Tallinn’s heart.