The Estonian University of Life Sciences launches architectural competition for new clinical education building

"The building complex of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences is the first structure seen by visitors arriving from Tallinn to the university campus in Tartu. Therefore, we envision the new small animal clinic as an architectural landmark and a model of excellence," Pärn explained.

He emphasized that the design must meet stringent biosecurity and other specific requirements stemming from the building's intended use. The new clinic should support cutting-edge veterinary education and research, fulfill the expectations of society for high-level veterinary services, and offer optimal working and learning conditions for university members—forming a seamlessly integrated complex with the existing facilities.

“Our goal is to enhance the appeal of veterinary education by creating a user-friendly and innovative environment for study, research, and leisure. Naturally, it is also crucial for the new building to adhere to principles of climate positivity and energy-efficient construction,” Pärn added, outlining the expectations for the competition.

In addition, Pärn stressed the importance of the surrounding outdoor areas. The exterior spaces should serve the needs of clinical students and clinic clients—both pet owners and animal patients—and contribute to the wellbeing of university staff.

The architectural design must harmonize with the university campus located near the Tähtvere district in Tartu. The campus features several architecturally significant buildings in Estonia’s architectural history. The main building of the Tähtvere Manor is a designated heritage site. The campus also includes works by the celebrated Soviet-era modernist Valve Pormeister, such as the university’s main building, which blends into the landscape, and the Forest Sciences Building, distinguished by its light cylindrical towers and geometric volumes. More recently, the sports complex designed by Salto Architects—emerging from the landscape—was awarded the title of Tartu’s Best New Building and won the Best Façade Award in the national wooden architecture competition.

The competition seeks a solution that would join this esteemed architectural lineage—a defining work of its era.

The planned building will have up to four above-ground floors and an underground parking level. The first and second floors are intended to be constructed in the first phase, with the remaining levels built in the second phase. The building’s footprint will be up to 3,000 square meters. The design must comply with the detailed spatial plan for the property at Kreutzwaldi 62.

The architectural competition is conducted as an electronic public idea competition via the Public Procurement Registerlink opens in new page. The deadline for submission of entries is October 20, 2025. The competition notice and accompanying documentation are available in the register. Submissions will be evaluated by a jury composed of representatives from the university, the Tartu City Government, and the Union of Estonian Architects. Awards will be distributed among the best proposals, and the entry deemed the best overall will be declared the winner. The university will enter into negotiations with the winner to draft a design contract for the new small animal clinic and its surrounding outdoor areas.

The Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences at the Estonian University of Life Sciences is the only academic and research center in Estonia that integrates veterinary medicine, animal science, and food science disciplines.