Why is a state architect necessary?

Who is responsible for ensuring that Estonia is a pleasant place to visit and an even better place to live?

Some time ago, I was walking through the streets of Copenhagen and felt something that, unfortunately, is all too rare in big cities – peace, security, and a clear sense of belonging. The space there does not oppress or confuse, but supports people at every step. The city is lively, but not noisy. Open, but not scattered. New, but carrying the past within it. I found myself thinking that this is what a good space should be like.

Copenhagen is not just a beautiful city – it is the result of forward-looking spatial planning. The city has a population of nearly 650,000, but the wider metropolitan area has a population of nearly 2 million. Nevertheless, more than 40% of people in the city travel by bicycle every day, public transport is well integrated, and pedestrians and cyclists are given priority. The buildings are densely located, but they do not interfere with each other, and new buildings stand side by side with historic ones. This is not a coincidence, but a vision.

In Denmark, spatial planning is a national priority. Urban development is based on a long-term vision in which the living environment, climate goals, and human well-being are closely intertwined. Inspired by this experience, we must ask ourselves: why can't Estonian cities and towns offer the same high-quality and well-thought-out spatial experience?

We have the people, the knowledge, and the need. All that is missing is consistency and a strong shared spatial vision. This is where the state architect comes in – the guardian and guide of Estonia's spatial quality, whose role is to help shape not only individual buildings or streets, but the future of Estonia as a whole.

A historic moment in Estonia's spatial history

This year will be remembered in many ways. Not only as a year of instability and change, but also as the moment when Estonia got its first state architect. A position that has been discussed for over two decades, but which finally became a reality thanks to the launch of the Land and Spatial Development Board (MaRu).

The Land and Spatial Development Board is not just a new government agency. The Land and Spatial Development Board wants to make Estonia's spatial planning processes faster, smarter, and of higher quality. It wants to reduce bureaucracy, grow the economy, and help build an Estonia where it is good to live everywhere – in the city and in the countryside. So that our land and space are not only functional, but also create a sense of pride and belonging.

Why does Estonia need a state architect?

Estonia has developed significantly in recent years. Tallinn's city center is increasingly looking like a real metropolis. A new railway is under construction, roads have become wider and faster, and new buildings and commercial spaces are popping up everywhere. At the same time, however, our cities are expanding further and further into the countryside, infrastructure is not keeping pace with residential development, and we often build new things without considering whether we could make better use of what already exists.

We are not very successful at planning large-scale production and renewable energy solutions, and all of this ultimately affects our daily lives and economy. The population is declining and aging, but at the same time we want equal and high-quality services everywhere in Estonia. This is expensive and complicated, especially when there is no clear plan.

We have very smart and skilled people who are involved in spatial planning and construction, but the big question remains: where are we actually going? What is this "high-quality space" that everyone talks about so much?

In order to have a clear direction, common goals, and good cooperation, a state architect is needed. Their task is simple: to help create a sustainable and high-quality living environment in both cities and rural areas through cooperation. The implementation is complicated – but not impossible.

What is the role of a state architect?

The role of a state architect is to be a visionary, motivator, advisor, and partner in spatial planning in Estonia. The state architect is the "chief designer" of Estonia's public space. He or she does not make all the decisions, draw all the plans, or commission all the buildings. But they help set the direction – how and where we are going. Their main tool is the national spatial plan "Estonia 2050" (ÜRP), which is being developed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and the state architect is an important partner in this process. The state architect plays a particularly important role in implementing the principles of quality space, development directions, and common goals agreed upon in the ÜRP.

The role of the State Architect is to:

1. Advise and guide when the state or local government is planning. Help to think not only about today, but also about what will happen in 50 years.
2. Build bridges between different parties – architects, officials, communities, developers. He or she helps them understand each other and move towards a common goal.
3. To keep the big picture in mind. Not only cities, but also rural areas, villages, parks, squares, roads. All of this is space that affects our lives every day.
4. Shape the country's land use. Estonia is a major landowner and must set an example of how to use land sustainably and wisely.
5. Be a partner and co-creator. Not a critic on the sidelines, but someone who helps to find the best solutions through cooperation.

A space to be proud of

State architect is not just a job title. It is a vote of confidence in Estonia's future. It is a step towards a space where everyone can live better and where the economy can grow. It is a future where high-quality public space is not a luxury, but the norm. Where we don't just react, but create – consciously, wisely, together.

Watch the ceremonial appointment of Estonia's first State Architect, Tõnis Arjus, and read the State Architect's initial thoughts on his work.

Author: Kati Tamtik, Director General of the Land and Spatial Development Board