Spanish Architects Win Arvo Pärt Center Competition
Out of the 20 architectural firms vying for the honor of designing the Arvo Pärt Center, Spanish firm Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos SLP was selected by the jury.
The winning entry titled “Tabula” was announced by President Toomas Hendrik Ilves at the Museum of Estonian Architecture today, the Arvo Pärt Center announced today.
Brad Cloepfil’s firm Allied Works Architecture placed second and Estonian firm Kavakava, best known for the new building of the University of Tarty Narva College placed third. The shortlist included architects from 11 different nations, including award-winning Zaha Hadid and seven firms from Estonia.
An exhibition showcasing all the contest entries will be on display at the Museum of Estonian Architecture until 31 August 2014.
“Tabula” creates a harmonious and flexible environment for Arvo Pärt’s music. What deserves to be singled out in particular about this contest entry is its spatial arrangement and thoroughly considered thematic lighting,” Michael Pärt, chairman of the jury and Arvo Pärt’s son, commented on the design by Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos.
The center will be built on the Lohusalu peninsula in Laulasmaa, some 30 kilometers west of Tallinn, with the grandopening scheduled for 2018, the centenary of the Republic of Estonia.