Square! Positively shrinking / Rapla, Estonia
Estonian Exhibition at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition
Rapla city centre, Estonia
Architects: Siiri Vallner, Indrek Peil, Kristel Niisuke
Landscape architecture: Kerttu Kõll
Engineering: T-Model
Competition: 2015
Completed: 2018
Commissioned by Rapla Municipality Government
Estonian Pavilion at the Biennale Architettura 2021
Commissioner: Raul Järg, Director Estonian Centre for Architecture
Producers: Eve Arpo, Maria Kristiin Peterson
Curators: Jiri Tintera, Kalle Vellevoog, Garri Raagmaa, Martin Pedanik, Paulina Pähn
Exhibitors: Mari Rass, Ott Alver, Alvin Järving, Kaidi Põder, Helen Rebane, Egon Metusala, Kaie Kuldkepp, Liis Uustal, Vilve Enno, Gianfranco Franchi, Chiara Tesi, Rea Sepping; Siiri Vallner, Indrek Peil, Villem Tomiste; Häli-Ann Tooms, Mari-Liis Männik; Ülle Maiste, Diana Taalfeld, Anne Saarniit, Roomet Helbre, Taavi Kuningas; Risto Parve, Kai Süda; Liisa Hirsch, Patrick Tubin McGinley; Anna Hints, Joosep Matjus, Ants Tammik, Tushar Prakash, Urmas Reisberg, Kairid Laks
Venue: Arsenale
The exhibition “Square! positively shrinking” explores the role of high-quality urban space in enhancing the future development perspective of depopulating small towns. It features activities to improve the urban environment with a focus on the redevelopment of central squares. Shrinking municipalities need to concentrate on their residents’ quality of life. The programme “Great Public Spaces” is a remarkable example of urban space intervention in shrinking urban areas. The aim of the programme was to renew the centres, main squares and the main streets in 15 Estonian towns by 2020 as a gift from architects to the Estonian state celebrating its 100th anniversary.
https://positivelyshrinking.ee/
With the support of: Estonian Ministry of Culture, Estonian Ministry of Finance, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Rakvere City Government, Rapla Municipality Government, Võru City Government, Valga Municipality Government, Elva Municipality Government, Põlva Municipality Government, Saaremaa Municipality Government, Tõrva Municipality Government, Baltic Culture Fund