Cultural Center in Tartu

The spirit of the diverse cultural program has to be conveyed in the building itself. Our strategy is to propose an architecture through the means of transparency. A building where the general public populates the facade. In contrast to the dense Tartu Kaubamaja we propose a translucent structure with no strict borders between the exterior and interior with a collection of porous contours – an overhanging roof, vertical pillars, floor texture, and vegetation. A cultural center is a highly public venue, therefore little has to be hidden and inclusivity is mandatory. The transparency of the building provides a blank public canvas that gets colored and animated by its visitors daily. The intangible process of culture becomes tangible and showcased through the means of openness and a see-through facade.