According to Linnar Pärn, Development Director at the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EULS), the university aims to find a functional, modern, and environmentally enriching architectural solution for the new small animal clinic – a key component of the veterinary education infrastructure.
"The building complex of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences is the first thing people arriving in Tartu from Tallinn see on our campus. Therefore, we want the new clinic to become an architectural landmark and role model," explained Pärn. He emphasized that the new building must comply with various biosecurity and other specific requirements due to its intended use. The clinic must meet the expectations of society for providing high-level veterinary services and offer top-quality conditions for academic work, forming a coherent and user-friendly complex with the existing building.
“Our goal is to enhance the attractiveness of veterinary education by creating user-friendly and innovative learning and research environments, as well as leisure spaces for students. Naturally, the building must also follow climate-positive and energy-efficient construction principles,” Pärn highlighted.
He added that the surrounding outdoor areas are equally important, needing to support the needs of students, clients of the clinic – including animal owners and patients – and contribute to the well-being of university staff.
The architectural solution must integrate into the EULS campus located in Tartu near the Tähtvere neighborhood, which is home to several architecturally significant buildings in Estonia. These include the Tähtvere Manor main building (a listed heritage site), the university’s main building and the iconic cylindrical Forest Building designed by modernist architect Valve Pormeister, and the landscape-integrated sports facility by Salto Architects – awarded for both architecture and wooden facade design. The goal is to add a contemporary architectural gem to this collection.
The building is planned to be up to four stories tall with an underground parking level. The first two floors will be built during the initial construction phase, with the rest to follow in the second phase. The footprint may be up to 3,000 m² and must comply with the detailed spatial plan of the Kreutzwaldi 62 plot.
The competition is held electronically as a design idea contest in the Public Procurement Register. The submission deadline is October 20, 2025. The notice and supporting documents are available in the register. The entries will be evaluated by a jury composed of members from the university, Tartu City Government, and the Estonian Association of Architects. Prizes will be awarded to the best ideas, and the winner will enter negotiations to develop the architectural project for the clinic and its surrounding space.
The Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences at EULS is the only academic and research center in Estonia integrating veterinary medicine, animal science, and food science.
