Cornerstone Laid for Eedu Education and Entrepreneurship Campus – a World-First Concept

Today, the cornerstone was laid for the Eedu Education and Entrepreneurship Campus, set to rise in the Maakri quarter of central Tallinn. This innovative and architecturally striking high-rise is one of the first of its kind in the world. The building is designed to intentionally integrate diverse functions, bringing together business, education, coworking and event spaces, and residential areas under one roof.

The laying of the cornerstone marks the beginning of above-ground construction. The project has already reached the fifth floor, and the full height of 105 metres (30 storeys) will be completed within a year. The campus is scheduled to open its doors in 2027.

The event attracted a large number of attendees. The time capsule for the cornerstone was delivered from above by crane.

Deputy Mayor of Tallinn, Pärtel-Peeter Pere, who opened the ceremony, emphasised that the city skyline will gain a modest yet distinct new landmark.

“This is a significant development for the city. I’m pleased to see such investment being made to improve the surrounding urban and living environment. Once Lauteri Street has been redesigned next summer and the campus completed, this area will become what I’d call Tallinn 2.0,” said Pere.

According to Deputy Mayor Madle Lippus, Maakri has long awaited its turn to develop within the city centre.

“Eedu will lead the diversification of public space in this district, including upgrades to the street network to make it more pedestrian-friendly and appealing. It will create new central-city connections within the quarter. A similar aim will be supported by the new Ukraine Square being developed in Lembitu Park next year,” Lippus added.

Mart Habakuk, Chancellor of the Estonian Business School (EBS), which is developing the campus, noted that a long-maturing vision is steadily becoming a reality:

“In a few years, the Eedu Education and Entrepreneurship Campus will be a place where theory and practice complement each other, where global-scale experimentation with new products, services and processes takes place, and where people can grow and make the most of their networks.”

Owen Lambert, architect at the renowned Finnish architecture firm ALA, explained that Eedu is one of the first buildings of its kind globally.

“Eedu is based on the concept of a vertical city, consciously integrating various uses into a single structure. While hybrid tower buildings are typically developed for residential or commercial use, each floor of this future campus has a clear and distinct function, forming a coherent and functional whole,” said Lambert. He added that the architectural solution also supports seamless integration with the surrounding environment and ensures pedestrian accessibility.

Key Facts about the Eedu Education and Entrepreneurship Campus:

• The total building volume will be 37,000 m², of which two-thirds will be residential properties located on floors 7 to 30, and a 48-room aparthotel on floors 4 to 6.
  The residential and hotel units are being developed to help finance the campus project.
• The educational and entrepreneurial part of the development, including the existing EBS academic building and underground parking, will cover 15,000 m².
• The campus will include facilities for the business university, startup accelerators, quiet zones, group workspaces, food service areas, event spaces, and underground parking for 110 cars and over 100 bicycles.
• The hybrid tower will be both the tallest and deepest residential building in Tallinn, with 3 underground and 30 above-ground floors.
• It will be the tallest residential building in Estonia with balconies.
• Floors 7 to 30 will house 129 apartments ranging from 55 to 350 m². Nearly a third of these have already been sold.
  The campus is set for completion in 2027.

The architectural concept was created by the acclaimed Finnish firm ALA Architects in collaboration with PIN Arhitektid. The project is being implemented by EBS in partnership with the real estate company Metro. The main contractor is NOBE.