'Forest Heart' by Yiqing Wu: Innovation in Culture Center of Tartu

Forest Heart

Culture Center of Tartu for VWA

Forest Heart envisages the transformation of an existing park into an emblematic public space and cultural center, offering an innovative urban design solution for Estonia. The design underscores the significance of crafting a versatile and ecologically astute environment that positions the park as a pivotal gathering point, fostering communal engagement and the celebration of the city's cultural identity. Forest Heart presents a distinctive landscape-centric urban design that pays homage to the nation's heritage.

Yiqing Wu 2024 Professional Silver Press Kit № 156393

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Forest Heart by Yiqing Wu

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Culture Center of Tartu by Yiqing Wu

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Yiqing Wu Forest Heart

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Yiqing Wu Culture Center of Tartu

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Maximize the potential of this 1800-pixel image: at 300 DPI, it delivers exceptional detail up to 6 inches, while at 150 DPI, it offers clarity for prints up to 12 inches. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. Please check the Image Credits Section for photo acknowledgements.

Unique Properties

Forest Heart envisages the transformation of an existing park into an emblematic public space and cultural center, offering an innovative urban design solution for Estonia. It underscores the significance of crafting a versatile and ecologically astute environment that positions the park as a pivotal gathering point, fostering communal engagement and the celebration of the city's cultural identity.

Production Technology

The design proposal emphasizes the importance of giving the land back to nature. To achieve this goal, the design proposes to increase the number of trees in the park by almost 40 percent, creating an interactive landscape that links back to the country’s roots. This forest will offer a variety of activities, such as berry picking in the summer and winter cross-country skiing, making it a flexible space for people to enjoy all year round. Additionally, the design acknowledges the country’s versatile landscape by utilizing natural elements, such as bogs, to incorporate stormwater management for the area. The design increases the forest density, and the forest foliage coverage will provide shade in the summer, and wind-block in the winter.

Design Challenge

The Forest Heart initiative in the urban design proposal focuses on making the project sustainable and cost-effective by achieving net-zero building. The landscape near the cultural center is designed thoughtfully, considering factors like soil composition, slope stability, and erosion control during the balancing of cut and fill. The proposal aims to minimize tree removal by planting more native vegetation to strengthen the soil, enhance the look, and support local wildlife. Green features like green roofs, rain gardens, and bioswales are included for added sustainability. Regular checks and upkeep ensure these efforts work effectively, and there's a possibility of installing educational signs for visitor awareness.

Project Duration

Tartu, Estonia

Operation Flow

The Urban design proposal focuses on two hikes - a Cultural Route connecting various programs used in different seasons, and a Landscape Route expanding the park’s activities year-round. Both hikes begin with a grand stair and offer flexibility and resilience to change. Visitors can explore the interconnectedness of the programs and the park’s capabilities, making it a dynamic cultural and recreational space. The design links programs in a loop, starting with a grand stair in the library, creating moments of park and museum connections to respect the shared values among programs: being together. The service program is located on Uuerture street, minimizing the circulation area to maximize public spaces. This allows more efficient transportation of art and goods across the building complex.

Research

The prevailing vegetation within the original Central Park has been comprehensively examined with the assistance of an arborist and ecologist. Information pertaining to the biodiversity of Central Park has been systematically collected to discern the advantages of nature and the overarching ecological value of the park. Drawing upon this data, an assessment of the current condition of the park has been formulated, elucidating potential strategies for enhancement. Furthermore, engaging with the local populace has yielded valuable insights into their recollections, aspirations, and recommendations for the park. The predominant preference among stakeholders is to maintain the space as open and publicly accessible as feasible.

Inspiration

Estonia is home to a rich and diverse forest landscape with ancient woodlands, evergreens, forests, and other natural elements. However, Estonia has one of the highest rates of forest loss in Europe. Thus, the proposal, Forest Heart, aims to reinvigorate Central Park as an integrated forest park and cultural center. The solution provides flexibility by responding to urban initiatives and ecological intelligence to further fortify the site’s important asset to the city of Tartu.

Project Overview

Forest Heart Culture Center of Tartu has been a Silver winner in the Landscape Planning and Garden Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Yiqing Wu.

Silver Recognition

Yiqing Wu was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Forest Heart Culture Center of Tartu.

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