In this studio we are taking a critical look at both the term and the process of urbanisation. The so-called
urban will be investigated by examining the traces of the gradual spread of Tallinn over time and in space,
concentrating on the ever shifting edges: the lands between the “urban” and “rural”. The studio’s aim is to
dig deep into that dichotomy and look at its particularities both very locally and also in wider regional and
global context, while addressing existential questions posed by the precarious conditions under the
continuing multi-faceted global crises.
Studio focuses on Paljassaare, a man-made peninsula situated in the district of Northern-Tallinn –
the main area of the turbo-paced regeneration and real estate speculation of the capital city in the last
decade. Paljassaare peninsula however can still be categorised as a hinterland, a classical urban fringe by
the nature of its land uses. Its contemporary condition reflects the tensions between the past secludedness
of the area from Tallinn-proper (being literally the bottom of the sea, border and military area, later
hosting vast industrial and infrastructural functions and an array of NIMBY social services, plus a nature
reserve) and the dense layer of not yet spatially tangible future dream scenarios and real-estate
speculations trying to connect the “barren island” to the booming capital.
The studio is heavy on the fieldwork, including group walks, outdoor events, and collective and
individual field investigations. We will draw evidence from a wide range of sources: archives, maps,
literature, local contacts, etc. Besides fieldwork, our weekly meetings consist of seminars, discussions,
consultations and intensive workshops. A crucial part of the studio is a 3–day midterm study trip beyond
Tallinn, to wider Estonia, that situates the research site within a national/regional context. Combining
group and individual projects, the work process will culminate in the public on-site presentations at the
end of the semester.

Students will gain an understanding and capacity to demonstrate how historical,
economical, cultural and political processes are determining urban form and vice versa. Students will also
experiment with and experience how to utilise and personalise creative research methods, such as working
with materiality of the site, doing desktop study and urban analysis, running collective fieldwork,
comparative work with archival materials (maps, plans, planning documents), conducting interviews, in
order to develop a relevant and valid research project with creative output. Students will get an insight of
how to situate their research in immediate urban space and create a coherent display of it for the public
eye. Skills to work collectively, but also to formulate individual research topics and pursue analysis will
be refined.

Tutors:

Keiti Kljavin
Andra Aaloe