Port regeneration has been a hot topic among urban, landscape architects over the last few decades. This is most probably because port areas have a large accumulation of land, architectural stocks, nodes of transportation, and the appeal of the waterfront is irresistible to many visitors and locals alike. Tallinn, like many great waterfront cities, hosts a well-established commercial port, with the charming old-city and central station in close proximity. But, the role of the port is rapidly changing, from a major commercial port to a visitor oriented ferry, cruise terminal, with the cargo ports moving to the suburbs. A great length of coastline is left without any proper maintenance, much less any pavement or amenities. The street plays an enormously important role in connecting the fragmented roles of the port with the existing city and suburbs. It is the artery of the metropolis, bringing in and out, people, goods, and events. The urban fabric will not change drastically only strategic changes within the streets supported by surrounding/paralleling areas, open spaces, and facilities.

 

Bringing Mobility into the story

Large cargo cranes are magnificent relics of the Hanseatic technology and industry, and instead of destroying them into steel chunks, we can create new crane rails along the new PÕJAVÄILÄIL, where cars, pedestrians, port vehicles, trams, and cargo cranes move linearly. The cranes, as well as converted trucks can carry containers with art exhibitions, workshops, library hubs, food wagons, and move freely along the streets. The beauty of “mobility” is that it creates a ‘story’ when it moves, just like when a parade strides along the streets – it meets people, interacts with the ever-changing environment, and creates a pulse in the urban fabric – an ‘Urban Spectacle’ in a true sense.

 

Port Heritage + Tallinn’s new Industries

Tallinn, as much as it may be famous for its Hanseatic Culture, has a growing IT industry, which the ubiquities of free WiFi-hotspots show along with a hot art scene. In our proposal, we try to merge the two with the landscape master plan, creating Wifi spots along pedestrian walkways and among grassy parks. Artists can show their works in containers, which go around the district with the help of the cargo cranes, or in renovated warehouses, which can be a good tourist attraction with their proximity to the ferry terminal.