Article source: Kavakava Architects

New university built into destroyed old town area records both the absence of the Old Town and it’s rebuilding.

Context

Narva is a border city between Russia and Estonia. Prosperity of the city was in 17th century, when under the Swedish reign new baroque-style city center was developed. The Old Town was destroyed during WWII and after when it was demolished and replaced with modernist city. After the war local people were not allowed to return to the city, new habitants were brought in from Soviet Union.

Image Courtesy © Kaido Haagen

• Architects: Kavakava Architects
• Project: UNIVERSITY OF TARTU NARVA COLLEGE
• Location: Raekoja plats 2, Narva,  Estonia
• Photography: Kaido Haagen,  Anu Vahtra
• Client: University of Tartu
• Interior design: Hannes Praks
• Structural engineer: Maari Idnurm, Siim Randmäe EEB OÜ
• Building neto surface area: 4741m2
• Project time: 2005 – 2012
• Plot surface: 2 812m2
• Built surface: 2 109m2