The community-centred street project reconnects the Old Town with the sea through the oldest suburb Kalamaja. The architecture competition was preceded by ten years of preliminary work by the locals, the Estonian Association of Architects and the city. For the first time in Tallinn, both locals and architects were actually involved in an extensive street project. Starting at the edge of the Old Town, the street runs through Kalamaja leading to the prehistoric seashore. The street space is divided between different users so that the space is clear and continuous, although at times also overlapping and cross-usable for all modes of movement. A uniform variable paving and continuous bioretention and lighting on the central line of the street split the street level. The renovation highlights the history of Kalamaja and its diverse urban space and helps to bring locals together. The end of the 1.1-kilometre street near the Old Town is car-free during the day. In the remaining part, cars and bikes share a common driving direction and lane with a speed limit of 20 km/h. Thus, all modes of traffic are accommodated in a cross-section that is at times only 10-14 meters wide. In wider sections, it was possible to build places for stopping and activities and also highlight special features with small squares. Two new squares function as street nodes. There are waiting and meeting places near Balti Station bringing together public transport. Kotzebue Square is designed as a common area for different generations.The planting boxes are waiting for the contribution of local gardening enthusiasts. There will be a street exhibition created in cooperation with the local museum.
Text by: Indrek Peil, Siiri Vallner