Construction project for new Tallinn building of University of Tartu was completed

The University of Tartu School of Law provides legal education in both Tartu and Tallinn. It is the only UT institute to have its own academic building in Tallinn, located on Kaarli puiestee. Over the years, the building has deteriorated and become too small for the needs and possibilities of teaching and studies, so it will soon undergo renovation. After that, the building will also house the University of Tartu Tallinn office.

Preparatory work for the renovation of the building has already begun – the construction project was completed last week. The old building will be partially demolished and replaced with a new one specifically designed for teaching and studies.

The new building will be larger than the current one and will invite to learn, teach and do research: there will be more lecture halls and seminar rooms, a library, and plenty of study corners for both independent and team work. The offices and lecture rooms will have modern furnishings, and rest areas will be created for students and staff. Additionally, the new building will be suited for organising continuing education courses and conferences.

“The design is based on the principles of universal design, so that the building can be used as widely as possible by all people,” said the University of Tartu’s Specialist for Construction Procurement Andres Poom. The designed solutions include, among other things, guidance paths for the visually impaired, signage in Braille, and low thresholds suitable for wheelchair users.

The energy performance indicator of the Tallinn academic building corresponds to class A. The building is designed with a compact geometry and high thermal insulation. District heating and cooling, a heat recovery ventilation system, and solar panels are planned.

At the end of the summer, the staff of the School of Law will move to temporary premises. From the autumn semester of 2025, teaching in Tallinn will take place at Tõnismägi 5a (in the former premises of the Ministry of Education and Research). At the same time, demolition and construction work will begin on the academic building on Kaarli puiestee.

The main project has been completed and submitted for review. At this stage, a joint opinion of the university, experts and designers is being formed, based on which the construction procurement will proceed. The new building is scheduled to be completed at the beginning of 2027.