view from Laikmaa st.
hotels can be an institution which shy away locals and the given area has a deficit of quality public space. with this project, the goals were to create a welcoming and cultural environment for all and encompass local and touristic interests.
this proposal sets about achieving this through honest scale, consideration towards a natural courtyard, site revitalisation, lighting, and equal opportunity for all-age entertainment, while ensuring the neighbouring buildings are neither solar impeded nor visually degraded. the proposal pays homage to its site’s past through the gallery; an exhibition of current students’ works to commemorate the once on-site standing 100-year-old EKA building, which was demolished due to a neighbour’s complaints regarding solar passage into neighbouring buildings. the facade resembles the robustness of the existing buildings through its materiality, but gradually softens itself and its environment through the installation of greenery and subtle decked seating in the courtyard. this gives the area much more function, comfort and beauty. The facade is a core binding element of a modern contextual appearance, and a historical artistic expression of EKA.
view of the courtyard
model of the lobby
2021 sügissemestri projekt. hotell.
asukoht: Laikmaa ja Gonsiori tn nurk. Tallinn, Eesti
koostöös: Lukas Laubre, Ana Nikolayenia, Helerin Talpsepp
2021 fall semester studio. hotel.
site: on the corner of Laikmaa and Gonsiori streets in Tallinn, Estonia.
in collaboration with: Lukas Laubre, Ana Nikolayenia, Helerin Talpsepp
the proposal is multi-formous, with its highest intersections acting as noise barriers for the inner courtyard, restaurant and gallery. the forms are stepped, with the highest facing north, ensuring each section gets adequate levels of natural lighting and views into the courtyard below, without casting a shadow on its neighbours. a spacious atrium and transparent forms of circulation provide an exciting and bright journey throughout the hotel.
Hotel
all sides of the site are taken into consideration. the courtyard is open and lush, enriching the route of a daily passer; the gallery offers artistic glimpses of its interiors to those on street level, whilst meeting them at a comfortable and proportional single-level height. The café offers a grab-and-go option for those waiting at the neighbouring bus stops, and cosy nooks on the second floor for those looking to stay a while longer. The angled facade provides an uncharacteristic view of the courtyard, commercial street, and daily passings of the proposal, which otherwise wouldn’t be noticed. the sauna is open for all ages both from street level and hotel, offering a rich and invigorating experience of Estonian and Finnish culture in an interestingly contrasting manner with the busy streetscape behind it.
interior of the gallery
model of hotel room