N.L. Tilanus
Please Note
11 records found
1
Reimagining Skäne Bastion
The stage of being
The design methodology is rooted in biophilic principles and an analysis of the site's unique historical context, including its past as a military fortification and its concealed Cold War bunker. This led to a core design concept based on the duality of 'impression' and 'expression'.
The proposal consists of two main elements. The existing bunker is adaptively reused for 'impression' spaces; workshops and exhibitions that connect visitors to the site’s deep history. Above, a new superstructure houses the main theatre, a soaring space for 'expression'. This new volume is constructed using earthbags with in-situ soil, a technique that materially links the architecture to the site's geology and layered past. Passive design strategies, including stack-effect ventilation towers and a deciduous vegetated roof for dynamic shading, ensure environmental responsiveness.
"The Stage of Being" transforms a site of historical conflict into a space for community and healing, offering a model for how architecture can foster a renewed relationship between a city's youth, its cultural heritage, and the natural environment. ...
The design methodology is rooted in biophilic principles and an analysis of the site's unique historical context, including its past as a military fortification and its concealed Cold War bunker. This led to a core design concept based on the duality of 'impression' and 'expression'.
The proposal consists of two main elements. The existing bunker is adaptively reused for 'impression' spaces; workshops and exhibitions that connect visitors to the site’s deep history. Above, a new superstructure houses the main theatre, a soaring space for 'expression'. This new volume is constructed using earthbags with in-situ soil, a technique that materially links the architecture to the site's geology and layered past. Passive design strategies, including stack-effect ventilation towers and a deciduous vegetated roof for dynamic shading, ensure environmental responsiveness.
"The Stage of Being" transforms a site of historical conflict into a space for community and healing, offering a model for how architecture can foster a renewed relationship between a city's youth, its cultural heritage, and the natural environment.
Inhabited Walls
Reimagining Tallinn’s City Wall as a Living Monument
Through a series of careful interventions in the walkway, towers, and neighbouring courtyard, the design rebuilds the relationship between the city and its wall. It introduces new programs that invite everyday interaction from locals, reconnects separated sides, and repurposes the defensive geometry as a framework for gathering, learning, and cohabitation. The architecture engages the existing wall not just as a backdrop, but as a structure to inhabit, reinterpret, and build upon. Interventions are designed as a response to the city wall in terms of its spatial arrangements, materiality, structural systems, and more. At its core, the project reverses the logic of fortification: from dividing to connecting, from repelling to inviting.
It asks —
Can a wall built to separate become a path that connects? ...
Through a series of careful interventions in the walkway, towers, and neighbouring courtyard, the design rebuilds the relationship between the city and its wall. It introduces new programs that invite everyday interaction from locals, reconnects separated sides, and repurposes the defensive geometry as a framework for gathering, learning, and cohabitation. The architecture engages the existing wall not just as a backdrop, but as a structure to inhabit, reinterpret, and build upon. Interventions are designed as a response to the city wall in terms of its spatial arrangements, materiality, structural systems, and more. At its core, the project reverses the logic of fortification: from dividing to connecting, from repelling to inviting.
It asks —
Can a wall built to separate become a path that connects?
Living Kopli Kaubajaam
Adaptive reuse of the industrial warehouse commplex in Kopli, Tallinn
The idea of Dynamic Space emerged from the need to create an adaptable framework rather than a fixed form. It is rooted in the belief that architecture should respond to changing community needs over time. By incorporating modular grids, movable walls, and overlapping programs, the space resists singular definition—allowing users to reshape its function and meaning through daily inhabitation, negotiation, and collective authorship.
The intervention consists of two main elements: the adaptive reuse of the historic brick warehouse and a new timber structure forming from the old grid. A modular system is applied in both—embedded gently in the old building as flexible programmatic “boxes” that respect and contrast the existing shell, and fully expressed in the new construction to allow community-driven spatial transformation.
The space serves as a community “living room,” hosting exhibitions, performances, co-working, and daycare. Architectural devices such as a diagonal ramp, double-height volumes, movable partitions, and suspended installations emphasize spatial flexibility, porosity, and layered engagement.
...
The idea of Dynamic Space emerged from the need to create an adaptable framework rather than a fixed form. It is rooted in the belief that architecture should respond to changing community needs over time. By incorporating modular grids, movable walls, and overlapping programs, the space resists singular definition—allowing users to reshape its function and meaning through daily inhabitation, negotiation, and collective authorship.
The intervention consists of two main elements: the adaptive reuse of the historic brick warehouse and a new timber structure forming from the old grid. A modular system is applied in both—embedded gently in the old building as flexible programmatic “boxes” that respect and contrast the existing shell, and fully expressed in the new construction to allow community-driven spatial transformation.
The space serves as a community “living room,” hosting exhibitions, performances, co-working, and daycare. Architectural devices such as a diagonal ramp, double-height volumes, movable partitions, and suspended installations emphasize spatial flexibility, porosity, and layered engagement.
The current terminal offers an underwhelming entrance; its infrastructure forms a border between the city and the coastline; and the typology shows similarities to that of a racetrack. These observations have been directly translated into objectives: A grand entrance to Tallinn; A walkable coast; and A temporary F1 track. These objectives form an apparent contradiction: A paradox.
Although, by implementing scale, sequence and system as operators for the design process, it has been possible to achieve these goals and have them reinforce each other: A synergy
Because of its large scale, an intermediary is implemented to bridge the gap between objectives, operators, and the actual design. This intermediary ensures that the project has its own character: A hexagonal transition zone between the orthogonal infrastructure and the dense city scape.
In summary, the project comprises a ferry terminal, an elevated park, and a temporary Formula 1 circuit, distinguished by a unique character achieved through the application of a hexagonal intermediary framework.
...
The current terminal offers an underwhelming entrance; its infrastructure forms a border between the city and the coastline; and the typology shows similarities to that of a racetrack. These observations have been directly translated into objectives: A grand entrance to Tallinn; A walkable coast; and A temporary F1 track. These objectives form an apparent contradiction: A paradox.
Although, by implementing scale, sequence and system as operators for the design process, it has been possible to achieve these goals and have them reinforce each other: A synergy
Because of its large scale, an intermediary is implemented to bridge the gap between objectives, operators, and the actual design. This intermediary ensures that the project has its own character: A hexagonal transition zone between the orthogonal infrastructure and the dense city scape.
In summary, the project comprises a ferry terminal, an elevated park, and a temporary Formula 1 circuit, distinguished by a unique character achieved through the application of a hexagonal intermediary framework.
Echoes in Timber
Developing park-like architecture bridging cultural and historical heritage
This graduation project proposes to revalue Kopli 93 and its surroundings as a small-scale cultural park ensemble where past and future meet. By removing fences, introducing new pedestrian routes and demolishing later additions, the area becomes accessible again and reconnects to the surrounding neighborhoods. Alongside the restoration of the existing Kopli 93, which will regain its theatre, sports and community functions: a new music building is introduced. This transparent wooden volume acts as a mediator between the historic complex, the park, and the new residential area.
The program centers on music, theatre, and self-expression: a contemporary interpretation of the original social purpose. Music, a vital element of Estonian identity and collective memory (from Laulupidu to the Singing Revolution), forms the conceptual backbone of the project. Architecturally, the music building continues Tallinn’s wooden construction tradition and park architecture in glass and steel. Its structure consists of four CLT cores with glulam beams and a cantilevered top floor. Transparency, natural materials, and flexible interior layouts encourage dialogue between nature, heritage and contemporary culture.
Thus, Kopli 93 and its plot is transformed into a public, living, and meaningful part of the city, where cultural heritage becomes not an obstacle, but a catalyst for urban renewal.
...
This graduation project proposes to revalue Kopli 93 and its surroundings as a small-scale cultural park ensemble where past and future meet. By removing fences, introducing new pedestrian routes and demolishing later additions, the area becomes accessible again and reconnects to the surrounding neighborhoods. Alongside the restoration of the existing Kopli 93, which will regain its theatre, sports and community functions: a new music building is introduced. This transparent wooden volume acts as a mediator between the historic complex, the park, and the new residential area.
The program centers on music, theatre, and self-expression: a contemporary interpretation of the original social purpose. Music, a vital element of Estonian identity and collective memory (from Laulupidu to the Singing Revolution), forms the conceptual backbone of the project. Architecturally, the music building continues Tallinn’s wooden construction tradition and park architecture in glass and steel. Its structure consists of four CLT cores with glulam beams and a cantilevered top floor. Transparency, natural materials, and flexible interior layouts encourage dialogue between nature, heritage and contemporary culture.
Thus, Kopli 93 and its plot is transformed into a public, living, and meaningful part of the city, where cultural heritage becomes not an obstacle, but a catalyst for urban renewal.
Kesklinn Community Centre
Reimagining Soviet-Era Heritage through the Lenses of Memory and Perception
Despite years of trials, the government has failed to secure heritage protection for the building. An architectural competition plans to replace it with a high-rise, which would cause a significant loss to architectural heritage and additionally intensify Tallinn’s existing issue of constructing without regard for urban context and human scale.
An alternative to the current demolition plan is proposed - preserving and transforming the Turist shop while honouring the past, present, and future. Memories and perception in architecture serve as a foundation for reimagining the space and for guiding the design proposal, transforming the former shop into an inviting community centre. The form, scale, proportions, materialization and detailing of the new extension contrast that of the communist monument, maintaining a balance that avoids overshadowing it. This is achieved through a composition characterized by rhythm, simplicity and a strategic interplay between closeness and openness. An atrium between the two buildings is the heart of the project, where the past and the present exist together.
...
Despite years of trials, the government has failed to secure heritage protection for the building. An architectural competition plans to replace it with a high-rise, which would cause a significant loss to architectural heritage and additionally intensify Tallinn’s existing issue of constructing without regard for urban context and human scale.
An alternative to the current demolition plan is proposed - preserving and transforming the Turist shop while honouring the past, present, and future. Memories and perception in architecture serve as a foundation for reimagining the space and for guiding the design proposal, transforming the former shop into an inviting community centre. The form, scale, proportions, materialization and detailing of the new extension contrast that of the communist monument, maintaining a balance that avoids overshadowing it. This is achieved through a composition characterized by rhythm, simplicity and a strategic interplay between closeness and openness. An atrium between the two buildings is the heart of the project, where the past and the present exist together.
Dynamic Space
An Exploration into Strategies for the Uncertainties in Architecture
Opposing this situation, the building takes occurring uncertainties strategically into account and embraces them to design for unforeseeable functions, needs, actors and changes in society; and intertwines different uses and user groups, acting as an initiator for citizen-driven events and projects.
To achieve this, the design strategy embraces the contrast between indeterminacy and determinacy, creating spaces that can be used freely, combined with structures that act supportive in a structural, functional, spatial and organisational way. The indetermined space leaves things open and understands the building as “pre-used”, being interpretable by its users with the potential to develop over time. The determined parts make the building site-specific, quote Tallinn’s built history and make it a characteristic artefact.
...
Opposing this situation, the building takes occurring uncertainties strategically into account and embraces them to design for unforeseeable functions, needs, actors and changes in society; and intertwines different uses and user groups, acting as an initiator for citizen-driven events and projects.
To achieve this, the design strategy embraces the contrast between indeterminacy and determinacy, creating spaces that can be used freely, combined with structures that act supportive in a structural, functional, spatial and organisational way. The indetermined space leaves things open and understands the building as “pre-used”, being interpretable by its users with the potential to develop over time. The determined parts make the building site-specific, quote Tallinn’s built history and make it a characteristic artefact.
The Sociocultural Value of Tallinn's Nightlife
Club Culture in a Post-Soviet Context
Linnahall Market
An exploration of the reuse of large abandoned buildings
To align with Tallinn’s vision of creating a dynamic waterfront, the project reimagines the ice rink’s function to preserve its public and cultural significance. A market is proposed as an ideal new use, enhancing public access and cultural symbolism while revitalizing the area.
The renovation strategy includes enhancing the building’s openness and connectivity.
By combining wood with the original concrete and steel materials, the design will balance historical preservation with modern warmth, creating a welcoming market atmosphere. This project aims to set a precedent for Linnahall’s full restoration, turning it into a lively public space that enriches Tallinn’s coastal environment. ...
To align with Tallinn’s vision of creating a dynamic waterfront, the project reimagines the ice rink’s function to preserve its public and cultural significance. A market is proposed as an ideal new use, enhancing public access and cultural symbolism while revitalizing the area.
The renovation strategy includes enhancing the building’s openness and connectivity.
By combining wood with the original concrete and steel materials, the design will balance historical preservation with modern warmth, creating a welcoming market atmosphere. This project aims to set a precedent for Linnahall’s full restoration, turning it into a lively public space that enriches Tallinn’s coastal environment.
Volta Cultural Center
The revitalization of post-industrial heritage
SeaLine
Where Nature and Water Sports Unite in the coastal zone of Tallinn
The base of the sailing school is an elongated low volume (containing the boat storage, changing rooms and classroom) with a kink halfway up the volume and a nod toward the harbor. This base connects the Logi Street to the sea through the publicly accessible roof with wide stairs. On the east side, the volume is recessed into the mountainside and blends harmoniously into it; on the west side, the basement encloses a plaza with the boat docks and the façade rhythm mirrors the horizontally articulated Linnahall, but on its own smaller scale.
Halfway up the volume, is placed a pavilion that manifests itself strikingly in the coastal silhouette; its directional play and detailing make it appear to be detached from the ground. It is intended for the sailing school but can also function independently as an entertainment facility.
Both volumes are executed in concrete (sturdy in the sea climate sea) and wood (soft and human-sized, a local building material).
The design is a powerful, concrete example of how architecture, nature and human activities can reinforce each other.
...
The base of the sailing school is an elongated low volume (containing the boat storage, changing rooms and classroom) with a kink halfway up the volume and a nod toward the harbor. This base connects the Logi Street to the sea through the publicly accessible roof with wide stairs. On the east side, the volume is recessed into the mountainside and blends harmoniously into it; on the west side, the basement encloses a plaza with the boat docks and the façade rhythm mirrors the horizontally articulated Linnahall, but on its own smaller scale.
Halfway up the volume, is placed a pavilion that manifests itself strikingly in the coastal silhouette; its directional play and detailing make it appear to be detached from the ground. It is intended for the sailing school but can also function independently as an entertainment facility.
Both volumes are executed in concrete (sturdy in the sea climate sea) and wood (soft and human-sized, a local building material).
The design is a powerful, concrete example of how architecture, nature and human activities can reinforce each other.