On December 12, 2025, the results of the Estonian University of Life Sciences Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Small Animal Clinic design competition were announced. First prize went to the architectural firm Arhitekt Must OÜ for their work "Reflection."
The next step is to plan the architectural design of the building.
The aim of the competition was to find the best spatial solution for a small animal clinic building and its surrounding outdoor space. The focus was on ensuring high-quality veterinary medicine education and veterinary services and creating an environment that supports the well-being of students, clients, patients, and employees. A smart, innovative, and environmentally friendly building was considered important.
Specific and special-purpose rooms set clear requirements for the building's logistical solution. In the case of common areas, flexible and efficient use of space was valued, which can be adapted according to the number of users. A phased construction was considered, with the building initially designed with up to two above-ground floors and expandable to up to four floors at a later stage.
Architecturally, a modern and high-quality solution was sought that would relate to the surrounding campus and buildings and serve as a landmark for EMÜ and the whole of Tartu when arriving from Tallinn. The area surrounding the building was treated as a user-centered and functional public space, where information related to the university would also be displayed. The entire solution had to be durable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient.
The outdoor areas were based on EMU's green principles – closeness to nature, low maintenance requirements, and high spatial quality. Flexibility, cross-use, and cooperation-promoting outdoor space, as well as the use of durable materials, were considered important.
A total of 12 entries were submitted to the competition.
First Prize (award €13,000)
Competition entry: “Peegeldus”
Arhitekt Must OÜ
Authors: Alvin Järving, Mari Rass, Ott Alver
Contributors: Patrick Parbo, Rasmus Pikk, Elis Kevvai, Mari Liis Aader
Second Prize (award €10,000)
Competition entry: “Ositi”
OÜ Kolm Pluss Üks
Authors: Lisette Eriste, Gert Guriev, Markus Kaasik, Helin Kuldkepp, Sofia Smirnova, Siim Tiisvelt
Third Prize (award €8,000)
Competition entry: “Linnak”
Arhitekt Must OÜ
Authors: Alvin Järving, Mari Rass, Ott Alver
Contributors: Patrick Parbo, Rasmus Pikk, Indrek Pottisepp
Encouragement Prize (award €6,000)
Competition entry: “Hemisfäär”
Lauder Architects SIA, Weidenberg OÜ
Authors: Jurģis Prikulis, Valters Biernis, Alise Leite, Daila Elksne, Viesturs Dille, Rita Laudere, Kārlis Lauders, Alar Tarto, Rain Veidenberg
The entries were evaluated by a jury comprising:
Toomas Tiirats, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Director of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (Chair of the Jury);
Linnar Pärn, Estonian University of Life Sciences, General Manager;
Jiri Tintera, Tartu City Government, City Architect;
Jaan Kuusemets, Estonian Association of Architects;
Eve Komp, Estonian Association of Architects.
The secretary of the jury was Tiit Sild. Further information about the ideas competition can be found in the Estonian Public Procurement Registerlink opens in new page.
