In July 2009, PLANT participated in an international competition to design a new performance hall with accompanying public square in Rakvere, Estonia. In detail, the scheme required a building to accommodate two music halls with seating for 540 (400 + 140), to be adjoined to an existing building, a church constructed in 1940, and a new public square immediately adjacent. The new building sits back from the existing church allowing a grand public terrace at the second floor looking onto the new Arvo Pärt Plaza and the Square. Joining the plaza and the terrace is a ceremonial set of stairs to provide 24-hour access to the belvedere, as well as providing overlook to the Plaza and the Square. Setting the new building mass back allows the terrace between the new and old to be oriented to the diagonal view along with the Grand Stair and Plaza.
View of the Square from the Hall
View showing the main entry to the Hall
The Entry Lobby
View down the Main Stair from the Upper Lobby
Inside the Arvo Room
The Site Plan showing neighbouring buildings
Lower Level Site Plan showing the integrated parking