As a result of a naming competition, the new academic and research building of the Institute of Computer Science, the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics and the School of Economics and Business Administration to be completed in autumn 2019, will be named Delta.

A record number of 174 name propositions by 125 different authors were sent to the naming competition in October. A specially convened jury, including the head of Estates Office Heiki Pagel, head of the Institute of Computer Science Professor Jaak Vilo, head of the School of Economics Professor Maaja Vadi and head of the Communication Unit Illari Lään made a choice from the proposed names. The unanimous decision of the naming committee was approved by the Rector’s Office.

The author and committee members gave the following arguments for explanation:

-          Delta, the triangular symbol is connected with the architectural solution of the new academic building, referring to the shape and appearance of the building;

-          Delta refers to changes and energy, which characterises both the cross-faculty content of the academic building and the university as a whole;

-          Delta’s meaning refers to a trio or trilateral cooperation, i.e. information and communication technology, economy and mathematics-statistics, or to the trio: research-economy-government;

-          Delta refers to the mouth of the river, which has good associations with the location of the academic building on the bank of the Emajõgi;

-          Delta as a name is easy to pronounce and use, which contributes to its acceptance by people.

The author of the name is Erki Tamm, senior specialist in the Development Service of Estates Office. Other variants among the total 174 included, e.g. Iconicum, Innovaatikum, Logicum and Sigma, but also Pesa, Nurgik, SAMM and ARMAS (two latter are composed of the first letters of the names of units that will move into the new building).

Delta will be built in the centre, in place of the former School of Economics building and in its surrounding lots at Narva mnt 4, Narva mnt 10, Narva mnt 2b and 2d. The building is designed to hold 10,966 m2 of usable floor space, which corresponds to approx. 16,000 m2 of total area and is estimated to provide sufficient space for more than 1,500 students. The estimated cost of the building is 27.9 million euros. The architectural solution ICONICUM (in the picture) by a group of authors led by Illimar Truverk was chosen from among six designs submitted to the competition in April. Until 21 November, the design criteria for the building are on public display on the website of Tartu, open for proposals and comments.

Additional information: Heiki Pagel, Head of UT Estates Office, +372 737 5110, +372 503 2021, heiki.pagel@ut.ee