The City of Tallinn’s project has been selected as one of the 14 best out of 99 applications in the European Urban Initiative programme and will receive €5 million in funding from the Regional Development Fund as a result.

The SOFTacademy project will develop a model for upgrading the interiors of prefabricated buildings to a new level, alongside the factory renovation of the buildings, to boost the renovation wave. The aim of the project is to transform a block of prefabricated houses in Mustamäe into an attractive living environment – improving the microclimate of the block, stimulating community activities and thus creating a cosier living environment.

“Tallinn is keen to move forward rapidly with the renovation of buildings, with a particular focus on improving the quality of the space between the buildings. The key to this is to focus not only on the technical side of renovation, but also on collaboration and innovative solutions. This grant is the largest project to receive funding in recent years, and it will give a boost to the block-by-block renewal of Mustamäe and other prefabricated housing areas,” said Madle Lippus, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn.

According to Marja-Liisa Veiser, Head of the Mustamäe district, the project once again offers Mustamäe, the oldest prefabricated housing district in Tallinn, the opportunity to lead the way in the city’s development. “History tends to repeat itself, and if 61 years ago Mustamäe was the first new housing estate built of large panels, now we are leading the way in transforming this historic housing estate and the urban space into a modern living environment,” Veiser said.

Elements that set the project apart from previous approaches led to the positive funding decision. SOFTacademy’s success was ensured by innovative solutions combining strategic objectives, greening, engagement activities, local funding opportunities and digital tools.

The project will see the completion of fully renovated buildings and an inter-building space in the Mustamäe district. To achieve the best results, housing associations will be involved to support the use of environmentally friendly innovative solutions in the renovation works. The associations will also participate in the planning and design of the interconnection areas owned by the City of Tallinn. The design of both the landscape and the building complex will be guided by the ideas of the New European Bauhaus, as well as the principles of the circular economy and sustainable renovation.

“In terms of content, this is first and foremost an inclusive project. In addition to the renovation of the quarter, a catalogue of possible sustainable, environmentally friendly and innovative technical and nature-based solutions to improve the quality of living environment will be developed, which can be implemented in buildings and interiors in any residential area,” Lippus added.

The SOFTacademy project will support the „Friendly Urban Space“, „Kind Community“, „Green Transformation“ and „Home that includes the Street“ goals of the „Tallinn 2035“ development strategy.

The activities are funded by the European Urban Initiative programme with a grant of € 4 999 248, for a total project cost of € 6 249 060.