In a significant stride towards modernizing Estonia’s transport infrastructure, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has officially laid the cornerstone for the Ülemiste Terminal in Tallinn. This project, a part of the Rail Baltica initiative, promises to be a landmark in contemporary architecture and a pivotal hub in the region’s transport network.
What is Rail Baltica?
Rail Baltica is an ambitious rail infrastructure project currently under construction, aimed at integrating the Baltic states into the broader European rail network. This high-speed passenger rail system, capable of reaching speeds up to 249 km/h, will connect Poland’s rail network with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The ongoing construction of the 870-kilometer electrified Rail Baltica railway will culminate in its northern terminus at Tallinn’s Ülemiste station by 2028.
Tallinn, a key multimodal hub within this network, is poised to host the iconic Ülemiste Terminal. The project is designed to enhance passenger and freight services between the participating countries, bolstering rail connections between Central and Northern Europe, particularly in the region southeast of the Baltic Sea. Additionally, Rail Baltica is expected to act as a catalyst for economic development in Northeastern Europe.
A Visionary Design with Accolades
Zaha Hadid Architects’ design for the Ülemiste Terminal was awarded entry in an international competition hosted by Rail Baltica in May 2019. This competition sought a sustainable and pedestrian-friendly station design. Keeping the two key expectations in mind Zaha Hadid Architects revealed their initial design in 2019, conceptualizing it as “a connecting public bridge.” The terminal is envisioned as a multi-modal transport hub, catering to city commuters, international rail passengers, and air travelers from the nearby Tallinn Airport.
Optimizing Regional Navigation
The Ülemiste Terminal is strategically positioned to enhance connectivity across the Baltic region. As part of the Rail Baltica project, it will serve as a crucial node, linking Tallinn with other major cities like Riga, Vilnius, and Warsaw. This connectivity is expected to boost economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange in the region.
In addition to strengthening international links, the terminal is designed to bridge Tallinn’s districts, currently divided by railway tracks, fostering greater harmony in the cityscape. This comprehensive effort marks a significant investment in Tallinn’s infrastructure, addressing long-standing transport issues while preparing the city for future mobility and connectivity demands.
The terminal’s circulation pathways have been meticulously planned to ensure seamless navigation and effortless integration with Tallinn’s bus, tram, train, and bicycle networks, all converging at this major transportation hub. By facilitating easy transfers between different modes of transport, the Ülemiste Terminal aims to enhance the overall travel experience, making it more convenient and efficient for both local residents and visitors.
Strategic Partnerships and Modular Innovation
Magda Kopczynska, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility said, “Rail Baltica is a European, Baltic and Estonian project. The Baltic States must be connected to the European rail network, to ensure the security of supply chains, comfortable travel, economic development, and, last but not least, our common European security. The European Commission has been and will remain a strong supporter of Rail Baltica.”
In partnership with Esplan, a leading Estonian architecture and engineering firm, Zaha Hadid Architects devised a modular construction strategy for the terminal. This innovative approach is designed to ensure that rail services remain operational throughout the building process. By adopting a phased construction strategy, the project aims to minimize disruption while demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, in line with BREEAM standards and guidelines.
Estonia’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure Taavi Aas expressed his pride by saying, “I have been constantly informed about the developments in the Ülemiste area, and in light of the works presented to the public today, I am more than convinced that the area is becoming one of the most attractive and, in terms of infrastructure, synergistic in Tallinn. A true multi-modal transport hub is emerging, with rail, bus, and air traffic coming together there in the future”.
Integration of Premium Amenities for an Elevated Experience
The Ülemiste Terminal’s design features two main entries: the North Gate and the South Gate. These entries are connected by a striking sinuous bridge that snakes perpendicularly across the railway tracks, twisting 45 degrees at its center to create a captivating focal point. This bridge will serve as a functional walkway and as an iconic symbol of the terminal’s innovative design.
According to the latest release by Rail Baltica Estonia, the North Gate will be enhanced by a public plaza on its right-hand side, providing a welcoming and vibrant space for travelers and locals alike. This plaza will serve as a community gathering spot, featuring seating areas, green spaces, and public art installations, creating a lively urban environment.
The South Gate offers a more understated entrance, leading to an access path to the underpass. This underpass is designed to transcend the traditional concept of a mere pedestrian tunnel. It will host a variety of restaurants, bars, and other amenities, transforming it into a dynamic social hub where people can dine, relax, and socialize.
The terminal itself comprises six lanes, facilitating efficient and organized transportation flow. Beyond the practical aspects, the terminal boasts luxury amenities such as VIP waiting rooms and halls. These exclusive spaces are designed to provide an elevated travel experience, featuring comfortable seating, private lounges, and premium services for discerning passengers. The terminal is thus set to materialize not just as a transit point but also a destination in its own right.
Structural Design and Aesthetics
Outwardly, the Ülemiste Terminal is characterized by its fluid forms and dynamic aesthetics that reflect Zaha Hadid Architects’ (ZHA) signature style, symbolizing movement and progress. The terminal’s structural design is dominated by sweeping curves and sinuous lines that create a sense of movement and flow, mirroring the dynamic nature of transportation. The giant sinuous bridge, a central architectural feature, exemplifies this with its serpentine path, providing a visual spectacle.
The terminal’s facade blends modern materials such as glass and steel, allowing natural light to flood the interiors while providing panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. Inside, the design prioritizes open, airy spaces that foster a welcoming and spacious atmosphere. The use of organic shapes and innovative materials throughout the terminal enhances the aesthetic appeal of this transformative public space.
References
- https://www.zaha-hadid.com/2024/06/04/cornerstone-laid-at-ulemiste-passenger-terminal/
- https://parametric-architecture.com/ulemiste-terminal-by-zha-begins-construction-opens-2028/
- https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/fhzhc/zaha-hadid-architects-begins-construction-on-ulemiste-passenger-terminal-in-tallinn.html
- https://www.archdaily.com/1017490/zaha-hadid-architects-to-design-transport-hub-linking-tallinn-with-european-high-speed-rail-network/66669075f2bedf33e57beccb-zaha-hadid-architects-to-design-transport-hub-linking-tallinn-with-european-high-speed-rail-network-photo?next_project=no
- https://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/ulemiste-terminal-tallinn/
- https://www.dezeen.com/2019/11/21/zaha-hadid-architects-ulemiste-terminal-rail-baltica-network/
- https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/transportation-terminal/2753-rail-baltic-ulemiste-terminal-by-zaha-hadid-architects-esplan/
- https://www.archdaily.com/928022/zha-and-esplan-win-competition-to-design-the-new-terminal-for-rail-baltica/5dc53a133312fdc82f000221-zha-and-esplan-win-competition-to-design-the-new-terminal-for-rail-baltica-image?next_project=no
- Rail Baltica Ülemiste ühisterminal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIltcI7cfZ0