PLH Arkitekter is the lead architect behind the design proposal ”The Ülemiste Leaf” – a new station in Tallinn on The Rail Baltica. The proposal is one of three winning proposals submitted in the open, international design competition. All three proposals have moved on to the second phase of the competition where dialogue based negotiations precede the final election of the proposal that will be realized.

The Ülemiste Leaf
The design concept draws on nature, and a birch leaf inspires the organic design language. The proposal draws parallels to the Estonian natural heritage and visualizes the significance of the Estonian forests that cover about 50% of the country. The terminal building is easily recognizable and the organic design language will be very visible for travellers arriving to Tallinn by train or airplane – the aim is to create a new iconic landmark. The leaf covers the railway and creates easy access from both sides of the tracks while at the same time connecting the North and the South. The design proposal also creates a natural connection in between airport and city.

The design proposal includes a new terminal building on the Rail Baltica Line and the immediate traffic environment. The future terminal building will both function as a public transportation hub as well as a local city centre. The proposal includes a terminal building, a public square, a train station and a bus station as well as an underground tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists.