Creating a high-quality space
A high-quality space is a balanced spatial whole comprising both the artificial and natural environments, including both outdoor and indoor spaces. The Land and Spatial Development Board's task is to implement the basic principles of high-quality space.
The components of planning and creating a sustainable and holistic living environment (spatial design) are:
- planning and design activities (including spatial planning, architecture, landscape architecture);
- construction activities;
- spatial management of other spatial decisions (e.g., traffic and mobility options, services, forest management, etc).
Basic principles of high-quality space
A prerequisite for a high-quality spatial solution is a well-thought-out spatial decision, i.e., a decision at the governance level that influences spatial development.
Principles to consider when weighing spatial decisions:
- Good spatial solutions are knowledge-based and use the best knowledge available at the time, shaping new knowledge and skills.
- Increased spatial education and awareness helps society to develop better spatial solutions.
- Spatial competence is expertise and responsibility in shaping and implementing decisions that affect spatial development.
- In the case of spatial decisions (including spatial plans), care is taken to ensure that their principles are up to date when implemented and that their spatial solutions can be adapted in the future, as their impact on the development of the built environment is long-term.
- A good solution is based on the space meeting the user's needs and recognizing different uses.
- Spaces with a single use are exceptional; a good spatial solution is based on the interaction between different uses and space users.
- The solution is designed to be suitable for different purposes.
- Good usability generally means a comfortable, practical layout, furniture arrangement, lighting conditions, and indoor climate control in interior spaces.
- Rooms and areas are of a suitable size and logically connected to each other, for example: a residential building is suitable for living, a theater is suitable for performances and rehearsals, streets are suitable for movement for both people and cars and offer the opportunity to stay there for longer periods of time.
- The purpose of a building or urban space may change during its lifetime, so flexibility is important in addition to practicality.
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A good solution allows for adaptation when the order, social or economic situation changes.
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Changing spatial solutions is expensive, so a good solution allows for use in a new situation with as few alterations as possible in the next function.
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Since the future is unknown to the client, architect, or local government, sustainability can mainly be achieved through specific functionality, by diversifying the possible uses.
- Architecture has an artistic dimension that enhances the quality of life through spatial harmony, scale, and use of materials.
- A good spatial solution is well-designed in terms of functionality and ease of use, and is aesthetically pleasing—offering users beauty, inspiration, and satisfaction.
- The solution uses economic resources wisely and minimizes the life cycle costs of the building without compromising on the quality of the space.
- The costs of a spatial solution include planning, design, construction, use, maintenance, and demolition costs, as well as indirect costs necessary to ensure mobility, energy and food production, education, healthcare, and security, and many other related expenses.
- The sustainability of a spatial solution is evident when looking at as many cost groups as possible together.
- For all life cycle processes, construction is preceded by accurate and comprehensive planning in order to achieve the best spatial quality under economically reasonable conditions. Cooperation methods that support quality and efficiency are thought through at the early stages of the spatial planning process.
- A good spatial solution adds economic value by creating higher quality and more durable development projects and favorable conditions for the development of the national economy.
- A good spatial solution takes climate change into account and is environmentally friendly – it sees the natural environment as a valuable shared resource and preserves, develops, and enhances the natural components of the spatial environment.
- The spatial solution also offers solutions for preserving and increasing biodiversity.
- Wastelands are used, among other things, for the production of renewable energy and are predominantly designed as people-friendly landscapes where both site-specific nature and people have their place.
- In the context of a declining population, settlements are being made more compact.
- A good spatial solution is accessible and usable by all members of society throughout their entire life cycle.
- The solution allows access for people of different sizes and ages who move in different ways.
- A good solution is suitable for everyone, and the distribution of space and functions is clear and understandable.
- A good solution supports the use of public transport and environmentally friendly and healthy modes of transport.
- The solution offers sustainable living conditions and strengthens social resilience by creating high-quality, accessible, and affordable living space.
- Designing user-friendly spaces means taking into account the convenience and functional needs of space use, offering solutions related to mobility, connections, recreational areas, etc.
- A good solution takes into account the historical context and the material and spiritual composition of the culture, and uses this as an important resource and tool.
- A good spatial solution supports finding new applications for objects of heritage value, where possible.
- Good spatial solutions create places that are distinctive, fit into the local context, and have unique characteristics that create a certain sense of place.
- The built environment requires a holistic, culture-centered approach and a humanistic view that takes into account the places we have created together and the legacy we leave behind.
- Good spatial planning supports vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods and helps prevent segregation.
- It uses modern tools to create an environment that respects cultural heritage, creates new cultural values, and supports biodiversity.
- Good spatial planning ensures a healthy, safe, and secure living environment and promotes healthy lifestyles.
Photos: arhitektuuripreemiad.ee
Last updated: 07.11.2025
Social cohesion