1. urban studies | faculty of architecture EKA | tutors: Maroš Krivý, Toomas Adrikorn
TYPOMORFOLOGY 2014
your topic | your name in century gothic size 10Forming the city through landscaping | Karmen Kase
3. |3|
Introduction to typomorphology
task
The Typomorphology class of autumn se-
mester 2014/2015 studied the Southeast sec-
tion of Tallinn’s former bastion belt (bound-
ed by the Luise street, Narva mnt, Liivalaia
and Suur-Ameerika) and the sub-districts
of Tõnismägi, Sibulaküla, Südalinn, Maakri
and Kompassi; Liivalaia and Suur-Ameeri-
ka were the borders of the analysed area.
The class was divided into three groups and
students’ first task was to divide the studied
area into three sub-segments and negotiate
their precise borders. Their work continued
with archival study, comparing historic and
contemporary photographs, studying histori-
cal maps, documents and plans and creating
timeline of key points in the development of
urban form. In mid-term each student choose
an individual research topic. The selection of
individual topics reflect the understanding of
urban form as a dialectical relationship be-
tween the three typomorphological elements
– built form, infrastructure and open space.
Within the framework of the chosen topics, stu-
dents were led to analyse and document the
ways in which typomorphological production
and dynamics of urban form is socially condi-
tioned. They researched the historical effect
of political and economic processes on the
urban form and studied the role of institutional
actors, patterns of ownership, and contrasting
planning concepts and visions. The 2014/2015
class is a third final sequel to typomorphologi-
cal studies of bastion belt’s segments between
Viru väljak and Suurtüki street (2012/2013) and
between Suurtüki street and Kaarli church,
including the localities of Kassisaba and Kel-
miküla (2013/2014). The presented research
will be completed by work on the area’s sce-
narios in the spring semester of 2014/2015.
Maroš Krivý, Toomas Adrikorn
5. Introduction to individual topic
In the individual research I tried to find the main
influences on the urban form by ownerships
and landscaping. For the research I used old
historical maps and searched for information
of the owner¬ships. To understand the land-
form and the aesthet¬ical value of the land-
scape I used photographic materials.
The role and character of urban greenery has
been changed within 3 centuries. Due to the
changes in ownerships, the accessibility and
unity of the green areas have changed and
therefore it has influ¬enced the uses and views
of urban landscape.
The landscaping that are visible and usable
today originate mostly from 19th century, how-
ever the rough weather conditions and new
constructions have destroyed the richness of
vegetation. Al¬though, the landscape struc-
ture has changed, the streets and buildings still
follow the historical urban form.
MAIN QUESTIONS
What role did the ownerships play in shaping
the urban form?
How has the vegetation influenced the urban
landscape in Tallinn?
How much of the historical vegetation has re-
mained?
Finding information
At first I searched through many books, archive
materials such as maps and old photographs,
although finding the arguments that I wanted
to produce was quite difficult at first.
I tried to find the main background information
for how the development of Talllinn actually
took place, according to the political and so-
cial changes, combining them with the spacial
changes.
In further report I present at first the historical
background information that I gathered, sum-
marizing the main changes. The concept and
my own approach to the studio and my main
idea that I wanted to present is following after
the historical background.
I used additional material for showing my ide-
as, such as illustrative and simplified schemes,
supporting photographical materials and
sketches. At the end of the report is presented
also my reduced size poster.
|5|
6. |6|
Reval,1630
Reval,1650The area outside of the city wall was
used for growing vegetables and
fruits, shepherding the cattles.
Suburbs and smaller gardens outside
of the city wall.
The suburbs and vegetable gardens
are destroyed, only few of them exist.
Reval,1710
Tallinn until 18th century
During the Livonian War, Tallinn became a
dominition of Sweden (1561). As being part of
Sweden, even bigger and stronger fortifica-
tions were planned- bastions.
The moats and ramparts were built in Suur
Rannavärava, Nunna,Viru and to the south
side of Toompea. Due to many wars, weaken-
ing of trade and crafts led to poor economic
situation. As a result of that the defense of the
city became weaker.
A new generalplan was created for Tallinn in
1634, where circular ramparts, moats and for-
tifications were planned.
Building the powerful fortification was dealing
with many difficulties- the new war between
Sweden and Russia in 1656 and plague in
1657. Difficulties in economy, conflicts be-
tween guilds and town hall prevented up-
grading and expanding the fortification.
In 1686 a new generalplan for Tallinn was
made, and stayed until the demilitarization;
however, realizing it completely was too much
for economically weak Tallinn.
At the end of the 17th century, there were or-
chards, berry bushes, summerhouses outside
ot the city wall.
Behind the Harju Gate was a place where the cattles were
watered and milked.
At the beginning of the Northen war, the demolition of the
wooden houses in the suburbs were demanded to prevent it
to become the enemy’s advantage.
During the Great Northern War the possibilities for upgrading
the fortification became even less realistic. The city capitulat-
ed in 1710 to Russian troops due to bad condition of fortifica-
tion and plague.
Only three bastions of the 1686 generalplan were estab-
lished- Skoone, Rootsi and Ingeri. The bastions were used to
store the city’s supplies and munitions.
At the beginning of the 18th century the cattles were shep-
herded again outside of the city wall by the citizens. The citi-
zens used also the esplanades for growing vegetables and to
throw their garbage there.
In 1700 the official width of esplanades was 300 meters; how-
ever it was never achieved fully, as some people had their
houses and orchards there. Alley trees were planted to the
fortification at the same time keeping in mind the visibility
from esplanades and the possibility to attack enemies from it.
In 1732 the rules of esplanade was reduced to 130 meters
and the Russian military authorities allowed to keep the build-
ings, fences and vegetable gardens; however, building the
new ones was highly restricted.
17101710
7. Development from the 19th century
Governor General Filippo Pauliucci (Russian military officer
with Italian background) visited Tallinn many times during
1820-1868 and was often disappointed by the bad condition
of the fortification. Due to modern artillery and poor condi-
tion of the fortification, the city was unlisted from the fortified
cities in 1857.
After that, bastions lost their military purposes and because
there were already some lime trees growing on the bastions
and around the Old Town, the bastions were perfect for es-
tablishing parks.
In 1864 the fortification was given to the local authorities by
the order of tsar Alexander II. Komandandi house and gar-
den and the Kiek in de Kök tower next to it was given to the
Kaarli Congregation. The rest of the 36 ravelins formed wide
territory around the Old Town- the bastion belt.
As the bastions and ravelins were not defending the city any-
more, it begun to provide new opportunities- new building
and green areas around the city wall. Building to the moat
areas was quite a challenge and the bastion belt was not
constructed completeley.
The land that was around the Old Town was
left without constructiong on it and mainly
without maintaining the land, for that reason
the nature took over. Bastions on the other
hand became privately owned and therefore
were at first more maintained.
The green areas around the Old Town were
the backbone for the public parks that exists
today- Tammsaare park, green areas around
Jaani church, Harjumägi, Lindamägi, Hirve-
park, Toompark, Tornide väljak, Rannamägi,
Margareeta aed, Kanuti aed and Virumägi
(Musumägi). From 1728 the Old Town was sur-
rounded by circular boulevard -Glaciprome-
nade.
Viruvärava, 19th Century
Harjuvärava, 19th Century
Skoone, 19th Century
18481848
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8. |8|
Development after 1857
In 1869 a plan of Tallinn was made, that illus-
trated the idea of the uses of different emptry
areas. The plan was made by F.Adamson. The
plan is showing that in front of the hill of Toom-
pea, Harju hill, Rootsi kants and the surround-
ing area of Jaani church was treated as green
areas.
From Jaani church to Margareta’s garden and
Tornide väljak were meant to be building ar-
eas. The plan was never completely realized
and therefore the moats near Toompea, Harju
and Rannavärava Gate were left disordered
and neglected for a long time.
Private lands, owned by Baltic Germans, were
used for many purposes- creating parks, den-
drogardens, arboretums and restaurants.
The idea of creating parks, arboretums and
dendroparks in the city came from the manor
parks and convent gardens - baroque parks
that developed into botanical gardens and
collection of different species of plants and
herbs.
In 19th century the trend culminated as the
Baltic Germans started to found the arbore-
tums and dendroparks. The interest in different
sortiment and the popularity of dendrology
among the wealhtier Baltic Germans was a trigger for creat-
ing green areas arount the Old Town as well. Rootsi bastion
became one of the dendroparks, established by the Baltic
Germans in 1860s.
One of the land owner was Estonian’s Gardening Associa-
tion, its purpose was to cultivate decorative plants, fruit trees,
vegetables in any condition.
Between Uue half-bastion and Stömbergi reduut begun to
form a big empty square in surrounded by some buildings
from southwest and a meadow from northeast. The square
was used by russian merchants and the square was called
Russian Market (Vene turg). Near the Russian Market place
was a meadow and also timberyard and a stopping point of
cabmen.
In 1867 Jaani church was established by the fundraising of
the citizens.
With the plan, made by F.Adamson in 1869, the southern side
of the Russian Market was planned to be building area; how-
ever, the plan never completely realized and the land be-
came neglected meadow.
In 1872-1873 a city’s volunteer fire company was established
on the western side of the Russian Market. Tallinn Alexander
Gymnasium was established on the northern side of the mar-
ket place.
18691869
Toompea, 1867
Jaani church 1867
9. Development before the independence
The land around the Old Town were mostly under the com-
mand of the renters, who didn’t maintain the land, as a result
of that the greenery was in a bad shape.
As the population of Estonians was rising at the beginning of
20th century, the more Estonians started to pay more attention
on the green areas and rising the aesthetic values in the city.
The regulation of urban landscape, parks and rising number of
skilled labor in horticultural field started to shape up the aes-
thetics of urban environment. Hans Lepp was the first official
urban gardener who started working in Tallinn from 1907 to
1944.
In the city were only few appropriate and maintained recre-
ational parks- Harjumägi and Rannaväravamägi. Others were
not maintained, formed mostly wasteland, meadows and
landfills.
In 1896 the market place removed from the Old Town to the
meadow behing Viru Gate.
H.Lepp described the situation of landuse in 1898 as rouch
green wasteland with no cultural public parks. H.Lepp was in
charge of maintaining the existing landscapes.
With organizing the landscape the aesthetical value of the
city was raising and at that time there was no further need for
re-designing the parks.
At the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th
century many privately owned land was
given away for public use. In 1910, the ur-
ban gardener H.Lepp ordered the renters
to maintain the land before giving back the
land to municipality.
In 1900s, the green space between the New
market and Russian market was used for
seasonal circuses and puppetries. In 1902
when the German theatre (Saksa teater)
burnt down, a new temporary replacement-
wooden building was established.
In 1905 the theatre house was transformed
into the movie theatre -Metropolis. In 1902
the flea market was transferred from the Rus-
sian market place to Skoone bastion and in
1909 the hay market from Harju Gate was
transferred to Russian market.
Harjumägi, 1890
The Russian Market, 1880
The New Market, 1899
18851885
|9|
10. |10|
Development during the inde-
pendence
To create the green bastion belt around the
Old Town, the municipality had to reorgan-
ize and buy some private estates. For broad-
ening the park area, some land was bought
near Hirvepark and Rannaväravamäe.
Due to the hard work of Hans Lepp, the aes-
thetical value of urban parks started to rise.
H.Lepp was making a lot of difference dur-
ing a decade, making the public parks in
Tallinn more aesthetic and presentable. With
the tax system of Republic of Estonia there
was more resources to improve the urban
environment.
In 1900 the German Drama Theater and
schools like the Realkool were built in the for-
mer bastion belt.
The plan for the green belt was finished by the year 1935. The
surface area of green belt increased from 10 hectares to 50
hectares.
At the beginning Estonia’s independence, the vegetation and
private gardens became the most important component in
newer urban districts. Citizens were concerned about their
health and were paying attention more on the lifestyles and
the nature around them. Consequently, many sport squares
were established and the necessity of the public parks was
rising.
During the maintenance of the public greenery, the design of
Ingeri bastion remained the same- the path network system
and older trees were left the way they were planned in 1881
(by E.A.Regel). In the beginning of 20th century the pace of
life was slower and therefore the public parks played more
important role in the society.
At the beginning of 20th century Jaani street was extended,
providing better accessibility around the Old Town. In 1913 the
Estonian theatre building was built by the fund-raising of esto-
nians.
On the Harju hill many concerts and art galleries took place.
As Estonia gained its independence in 1920, the statue of Pe-
ter I was removed from the Freedom square in 1922.
During 1923 to 1928 Anton Soans was the city archi¬tect in Tal-
linn. He made many plans for the city, con¬cerning the land
use and the build¬ing regulations.
After the World War I the restaurant and summer theatre were
in a bad condition and the collapsing buildings were removed
in a few years. In 1930 a new open-air cafe was opened on
the hill.
Jaani street, 1907
Peter’s square, 1910
Freedom square, 1922
19201920
11. Development before the World War II
The general plan was created with the building regulations in
1932, dividing the city to different construction areas. Green
areas and cemeteries were forming VIII district, where building
activities were not allowed. The landscapings that were in a
better contition were considered to be public parks and land-
scapings that were not in such a good contitons were planned
to be construction areas for special permission buildings.
Regulations for planting of vegetation was adopted by the
year 1935. In the Republic of Esonia the 1920s and 1930s were
the greatest period for planning the greenery, however, with
the recession and difficult political situation there were com-
plications for implementing the plans. In 1930s the Freedom
square became the the most important and representative
square in Tallinn. The old restaurant building was demolished
by 1929 and an open-air cafe was opened in 1932. The old
band pavilion was replaced with the new one. In 1935 the
grove from the Freedom Square was removed and the area
was shaped more rectangle.
In 1937 the Art Gallery building was constructed and in 1937
two different buildings were projected and built near the Free-
dom square- Hotel Palace and also the insurence company’s
building EEKS. In order to improve the spatial formation anoth-
er architectural competition was arranged. According to the
plan the architects Alar Kotli and Erns Kesa planned to replace
Jaani church with six-storey courthouse, however, the plan
was never realized.
The grove, planted in 1898 between the Russian and New
market place remained as a green segment, however still in
disordered state. The Russian Market and New Market places
remained to the locations until the WWII.
19301930
The open air cafe, 1932
The New Market and grove, 1920
Freedom Square, military parade, 1926
Freedom square, 1936
Hotel Palace, 1935
|11|
12. |12|
The city was made more representable with the changes in
the urban landscape.
After the World War II, the New market place was removed
behind the Estonia theatre and in 1948 the Russian market was
transferred to Keskturg. The area was designed to be a public
park as a symmetrical park with regular passages and opened
views by horticulturist H.Heinsaar in 1947. In 1940s-1950 the park
was named Stalin’s square and from 1955 to1989 the park was
named 16.october park, in memorial to the uprisings of 1905
revolution.
In 1951 the monument of Viktor Kingissepp was established on
Harju hill (by archt. A. Kotli and sculpt. E.Roos). In 1953 a Stalin-
ist architecture ensemble was created along Narva street, the
buildings should reflect a monumental gate to the city.
In 1976 16.October park was reconstructed and in 1978 a
monument of an Estonian writer A.H.Tammsaare was placed
to the centre of the park (arch. R.Luubi and sclpt. J.Soans) as
the writer enjoyed spending time in the market place.
Due to the Olympic Games in 1980 Tallinn, the city’s appear-
ance was changed due to demolitiond of wooden houses
and by building five- to-six storey houses instead.
High-rise buildings, visible already in Soviet general architec-
tural plans, started to appear in in the city center- “Sokos Ho-
tel Viru Tallinn” opened on 1972.
For 1980 Olympic games sailing regatta Hotel Olympia was
built, and Liivalaia street was re-constructed. In 1981 another
sculpture was placed to Tammsaare’s park by E. Viies- “Mer-
ineid”, dedicated to the sailing regatta of XXII Olympic games.
Development in Soviet Union
After the World War II, many districts in Tallinn
were developed and changed. During the
bombing in 1944 a lot of buildings were de-
stroyed, and therefore the urban landscape
and city views changed. Some public parks
were re-designed, and some areas were
turned into parks (Teatri square, Rävala pst).
Many monuments and sculptures were add-
ed to the public parks, showing the ideoolo-
gy of the Soviet Union.
19461946
Stalin’s park, 1953
Ruins on Liivalaia street, 1945
Viru Hotel, 1970
Liivalaia street, 1980
13. 20142014
Freedom Square, 2001
Freedom Square, 2014
Tammsaare park, 2014
Narva mnt, 2014
Development after the re-independence
Tallinn’s skyline has changed due to the development of Cen-
tral Business District as it is still very intensive and ungoing pro-
cess in the city. The growing of CBD is due to the private land
ownership and real estate market. The changes in the urban
landscape is also influenced by motorisation as the city views
mostly consist of cars.
The monuments in Tallinn that were ornamenting and repre-
senting the Soviet Union ideology were removed at the begin-
ning of re-independence of Estonia.
The Freedom square that locates on the former fortification
moat, was used as a parking lot for many years. In 1997. the
mayor I.Eenmaa proposed to lose the parking lot and use it as
a recreational square instead.
During the archeological diggings in 2008, the former Harju
Gates and fragment of fortification were dug out and pre-
served in the underground parking lot.
In 2009 the Victory Column was placed in memorial for the
people who fought for Estonia’s freedom and independence.
The Freedom Square is used for celebrating the independ-
ence of Estonia, memorials, concerts and other social events.
The Virumäe, Harjumäe and Tammsaare park are taken under
nature protection due to multiple species and historical gar-
den design that originates from 19th century. Virumägi was
renewed in 2001-2005, the street lights were replaced and the
summer theatre square was reconstructed. In 2007 a sculp-
ture ‘“The moment after the kiss” was placed in the park (sclp.
T.Kangro).
The vegetation in Tammsaare’s park has also
overgrown and is creating closed views. As
the park’s apperance is outdated, some re-
newing ideas were presented during an archi-
tecture competition in 2012. Tammsaare park
is used for everyday passage, recreational
activities, concerts and other social events.
Pärnu, Gonsiori, Narva and Kaarli roads are
most frequently used streets in the city centre,
as a result of that there are often traffic jams
and a lot of noise. |13|
14. |14|
Getting to main point
Even though I had gathered a lot of infor-
mation I was struggling with it, trying to find
and present the main point. After the first
poster presentation I realized that showing
the maps and describing them through text
is quite difficult to understand and for me to
present as well.
I tried another approach to present it. I
scaled my information down to three points
– ownership, landform and remained histor-
ical parts. The second step was to sketch
down the main changes in the city.
Then I could divide my changes in urban
form by 4 subtopics. The topics are present-
ing roughly changes in urban form, catego-
rizing them: From fortification to landscaping
out of the city wall, from private to pub-
lic, the re-shaping the urban form and the
green infrastructure.
15. Private and public
As the city was unlisted from the fortified cities in 1857, it was a
step forward for establishing more parks around the Old Town.
In the mid. 19th century the land was basically divided to pri-
vately owned and public lands. The urban landscape started
to change due to distinct land ownership.
The biggest influence had the privately owned land around
the Old Town as the accessibility to the land was restricted
and at first the aesthetical value started to rise. The public land
that was also marked as green areas were mostly neglected
meadows. At the end of 19th century the privately owned
land was opened for publical use and some functions were
added at some places.
Re-shaping the urban form
At the beginning of 20th century H.Lepp, the first official ur-
ban gardener started to work in Tallinn. As a result of that all
the wastelands, neglected meadows and unmaintained land
around the Old Town were maintained and the land was giv-
en back to municipality.
The urban form was changing fast- the accessibility and the
aesthetics of parks started to rise, however the green areas
became even more fragmented. During the Soviet Occu-
pation the fragmentation of green areas got more intensive,
however, the focus on park aesthetics was greater.
Green infrastructure
The accessibility to parks in the city centre is very high. The veg-
etation that was rooted in 19th century has partially remained
in the city landscape and because of it, it is the municipality’s
concern to preserve the remained historical part of it.
However the unity of bastion belt has been destroyed with the
streets, and the green areas are fragmented, they are more
blended into the urban form, diversifying and creating one
unity with the whole city landscape. In addition to preserving
the remained historical greenery, it is also considered to be
part of the green infrastructure. The connections between
green areas are formed by adding alleys in the streets. The ur-
ban landscape is diverse as the buildings and streets alternate
with the nature.
Fortification -Landscaping out of the city wall
During the 18th century the rules for esplanade were reduced
by the tsarist military authorities and as a result of that the ur-
ban form stated to change.
The concept of fortification was weakening and some lime
trees and the first park outside of the City Wall were estab-
lished. The accessibility to the greenery near the City Wall was
increasing for the citizens.
|15|
16. |16|
Fortification
In 1728 the military authorities in tsarist Russia allowed to plant
lime trees on bastions and around the Old Town for providing
shelter from the enemy’s eye. The Ingeri bastion as former
fortification is now still forming one of the most unique land-
scapes in the city centre of Tallinn.
Landscaping out of the city wall
In 1823 was already created the first park next to Harju Gate.
The park was established by the fund raising of the wealthi-
er citizens. The park was used by mothers and children and
therefore called the kindergarten. Some of the old trees have
remained next to Jaani church.
1
2
3
1728
1823
1
2
Ingeri bastion, 19th Century
Kindergarten, end of 19th century
Jaani church, end of 19th century
Ingeri bastion, 2014
Remains of the kindergarten,2014
17. Private
The Harju hill was at first owned by the local authorities, but as
there was lack of resources to maintain the land it was leased
out in 1862 to the Estonian’s Gardening Association. In 1867
Jaani church was established by the fundraising of the citizens.
Ingeri bastion was too hilly for Estonian’s Gardening Associa-
tion’s experiments and the land was given back to the local
authorities in 1881. In 1887 the local authorities ordered to build
a restaurant with summer theatre on the Harju hill. The hill was
used as a garden of the restaurant and it was accessible only
with a small fee. There are now 55 species, 33 of them are in-
troduced. In 1997 some shrubs were added to the park.
Public
After Harju hill was given back to the local authorities, it was
redesigned as a public park by E.A.Regel. The park had three
level vegetation, consisting of trees of different species, dec-
orative shrubs and flowers, creating diverse landscape with
multiple views. For today is remained 33 different species.
Viruvärava hill was also at first privately owned land (At first by
J.E.Steinberg, from 1888 by J.von Gern). In 1897 G.Kuphaldt
designed the hill as English garden with decorative plants, a
gazebo and stairs that lead to the regular style garden with
a small parterre and a fountain. The park was opened for the
citizens in 1898. The vegetation of the park has grown and cre-
ates sheltered, romantic place in the city.
4
5
Mid. 19th Century
End of 19th Century
3
4
5
Restaurant and garden on Harjumägi,1898
A garden on Viruväravamägi,1895
Viruväravamägi, 2014
Remains of garden on Harjumägi, 2014
Jaani church, 2014
|17|
18. |18|
Re-shaping the urban form
When the New Market place was transferred from the Old
Town in 1896 the surface of the meadow was reduced. In 1898
a smaller grove was opened between the Russian and New
market place, closing the circular promenade. The grove had
some paths, but mostly it was neglected and unmaintained.
At the beginning of the 20th century Jaani street was estab-
lished and as a result of that the one unity of bastion belt was
destroyed. The street was giving better accessibility around
the Old Town and is now one of the most frequently used
streets in Tallinn.
Re-shaping the urban landscapings
The New market place was removed behind the Estonia thea-
tre and in 1948 the Russian market was transferred to Keskturg.
The area was designed by the horticulturist H.Heinsaar in 1947
as a symmetrical park with regular passages and opened
views. In 1940s-1950 the park was named Stalin’s square.
In 1978 a monument of an Estonian writer A.H.Tammsaare was
placed to the park (arch.R. Luubi, sculp. J. Soans). The three
level vegetation is not completely remained, but the trees
and shrubs are creating closed visras and giving the city more
greener appearance. There are 46 species of trees and bush-
es in the park, including a number of rare trees.
6
7
8
20th century
Beg. of 20th century
6
7
8
Pärnu maante, former Jaani steet, 2014
Freedom Square, 2014
Tammsaare park, former Stalin Square, 2014
Stalin’s Square,1947
Freedom Square, 1931
Jaani steet next to New Market,1901
19. 20147
8
6
1
2
34
5 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Green infrastructure
The landscape that is visible today in Tallin has formed and
influenced by many factors- Swedish and Russian fortification
plans for the city, landscaping the bastions, unlisting Tallinn
from the fortified cities, private ownerships that led to estab-
lishing private pleasure gardens (Germ. -Lustgarten), building
wider streets to increase the accessibility around the Old Town.
Also one big factor is that the ground on the former moats was
not that steady and it has been preventing the bastion belt to
be fully built up. As a result of that the landscape on bastion
belt was at first left neglected and the city was forming around
it, keeping pieces of the historical city form hidden in the urban
landscape.
Ingeri bastion
Remains of kindergarten
Jaani church
Harjumägi
Viruväravamägi
Pärnu mnt. (extention of former
Jaani street)
Grove at the Freedom Square
Tammsaare park (former Stalin’s
Square)
|19|
20. |20|
Sketches
While working on the maps, photographical
materials and history, I had some thoughts in
my mind how the form of the vegetation has
been changed during three centuries. I tried
to sketch down my own opinion, supporting
them with the facts of history.
The sketches on the right side is for showing
the differences of the vegetation form from
18th century until 2014.
I have brought out the distinctions of private-
ly owned areas and public areas, dividing
the periods by the changes in the forms.
I took two of the urban parks from today’s ur-
ban landscape as an examples for this- Har-
jumägi and Tammsaare park.
It seems that although the initial phase of the
landcape was different the end result of the
form seems to be the same.
21. Beg. of
19th cen-
tury
Beg. of
19th cen-
tury
Mid. 19th century
Mid. 19th
century
End of19th
century
End of19th
century
20th century
20th century
21th century
21th century
In 21th century the aes-
thetical value of the parks
has stayed, due to a good
maintainance. The vege-
tation is grown high, pro-
vidin shelter, closed vistas,
however, the richness of
the vegetation in the parks
have slowly faded due to
difficult weather condi-
tions.
The three level vegetation
that was planted in 1947
has partially remained-
mainly the big trees and
shrubs, however, the flow-
erbeds have disappeared
from the site. The symmet-
rical landscape with the
richness of the species lost
its original look, however,
the remained trees and
shrubs are providing ro-
mantic, sheltered space in
the city centre.
At the beginning of 20th
century Hans Lepp as the
first urban gardener or-
dered the land owners to
maintain the land before
giving it back to the mu-
nicipality. The city’s aes-
thetical value started to
rise again only by organiz-
ing the neglected land.
The public land in the city
was not re-designed at the
beginning of 20th century.
After the WWII and during
the Soviet Union occupa-
tion the New Market place
was removed behind the
Estonian’s Theatre and the
area was re-designed by
a horticulturist H.Heinsaar
in 1947. Park was designed
as symmetrically,with three
level vegetation. The aes-
thetics of the park and the
city was great.
The second scheme is
showing the mid. 19th cen-
tury, as the bastions were
privately owned (by Baltic
Germans) and well main-
tained. Due to russification
at the end of 19th centu-
ry, the exclusive rights of
Baltic Germans were lim-
ited. The change in politi-
cal field had an influence
upon the privately owned
parks as Baltic Germans
didn’t maintain the land
anymore.
At the end of 19th century
the meadows, wastelands
were maintained step by
step. In 1896 a grove be-
tween the Russian Market
and the New market was
established, the mead-
ow was fenced. Also
some paths were leading
through the park. By main-
taining the wastelands the
city got more decent ap-
pearance.
The first drawing is graph-
ical illustration of the
Glacispromenade and
landscaping of bastions,
established in the 1728. The
graphical drawing is show-
ing that on the bastions
were growing the lime
trees that were planted
there two centuries ago,
probably neglected and
unmaintained.
In 1869 the bastion belt
area from Jaani church
to Rannaväravamäe was
planned to be building
area by the plan of F.Ad-
amson, but due to un-
steady ground the plan
was never realized. Until
the end of 19th century
the public land was maini-
ly neglected meadows,
landfills, wasteland. It gave
the city more filthy appear-
ance.
|21|
23. |23|
Conclusion
In my individual research I focused more on how the
land ownership, urban aesthetics have influenced the
urban form and how much of the history layers are visi-
ble in the city today.
The output of the research is the historical background
of Tallinn, arguments of how the landscaping changed
the urban form, supported by schemes, comparison of
old and new photographs, showing the remained part
of the history layers. In addition I added sketches of my
own opinion how landscapings changed under distinct
ownerships- private and public land.
I have brought out the spacial changes that occurred
due to political, social factors influenced the landscape
that is visible today in Tallinn.
It turned out that there was a great distinction between
private and public land in the 19th century, however,
the contrast between them has decreased over time,
becoming more similar. The changes in the urban form
by land ownerships has influenced the city as much as
the neglected meadows, landfills, as they all form now
the public parks and squares with similar appearance.
The urban parks such as Viruväravamägi (Musumägi),
Tammsaare park, Harjumägi, Kaarli boulevard have
been taken under nature protection and also consid-
ered to be part of the green infrastructure. Besides, the
development of Tallinn has considered the parks and
squares in the urban landscape, constructing buildings
rather around them and keeping the vegetation for ris-
ing the urban aesthetics. Therefore, I can speculate or
even conclude that the city has formed through land-
scaping.
