Arvo Pärt Centre / Arvo Pärdi Keskuse

The jury decided to give a special mention to Meie Aed for the original idea and the courage to think beyond the determined envelope of the building. Technically the proposition of its design does not fit the requirements stated in the contest rules of the 2nd stage, exceeding the suggested maximum height of the building more than two times. However the jury respects the bold attempt to think outside the box and propose a grand, and at the same time, airy, white design to grace the surrounding pine forest. Different functions are concentrated around a central courtyard-like atrium, creating a nice meeting point in its centre. The stacked volumes are in direct connection with nature, allowing maximum light into the building. Glass-covered walls are, however, not energy efficient. The white, airy form is beautiful yet extremely difficult to maintain within the forest and the local environment’s climate. The building has a character more like a pavilion than a public building. The jury has given extra recognition to a very finely executed model.