A Sneak Peek Into Smart City Tartu by Visit Tartu

A Sneak Peek Into Smart City Tartu

Smart City Tartu

In a situation where many cities are competing with each other in the realm of technology to become “smart”, Tartu has always set its focus towards people. Tartu embodies wisdom and therefore boasts an excellent climate for business. Our aim is to be part of global economy and culture, but at the same time maintain our values – cooperation, greenery, compactness and safety. This gives us a possibility to create the best city for ourselves to live in. Tartu’s aim is to become better each day, while always remaining true to ourselves.

Livable Communities

European

Award 2019,

Capital of Culture

silver medal

2024

Smart City Tartu

The city decided to fully streamline the area in front of the main railway station

Smart City Tartu

Enhancement of Landscapes and Public Spaces Tartu is a university town with a population of approximately 100,000 inhabi-

Vaksali Square

tants. Tartu is rather compact in terms of urban space, which makes it a great

The railway station is the gateway to

place for walking and cycling. Various

the rest of the city. The city decided to

public space projects, which support a

fully streamline the area in front of the

healthy lifestyle, have been carried out

station to create a good solution that

in Tartu over the recent years in order

considers all road users and to influence

to improve the urban living environ-

the way people entering the city move. A

ment of all citizens, reduce the carbon

streamlined space was created in what

footprint of road users and increase the

was formerly a large and chaotic asphalt

connection between the locals and their

square, to produce a square filled with

surroundings. All of the implemented

plants and benches where traffic has

initiatives have been recognised at

been directed away from the station

the state level and have won national

building in such a manner that only

architecture and landscape architecture

public transport can access the very

awards.

front of the building. The new solution was well received and serves its purpose perfectly, as there is now a place where

Tartu is rather compact in terms of urban space, which makes it a great place for walking and cycling

people can meet, pass the time at leisure or spend time with friends, colleagues or travelling companions. As the space is mostly aimed at public-transport users, cyclists and walkers, the new gateway to the city also encourages people arriving here to use the same modes of transport.

Smart City Tartu

The universal design and diverse solutions mean that people of all ages and capabilities can find something active to do. Roosi Street

Public space in Annelinn

When the building of the Estonian

Annelinn is the district of Soviet-built

National Museum was completed, a goal

housing in Tartu, which is home to

was set to guarantee a safe and interest-

almost 30,000 people. Although nearly

ing journey from the city centre to the

all of the buildings planned in the district

new building. Roosi Street was therefore

were actually built, work concerning

made considerably safer, primarily for

public space was largely left unfinished

pedestrians and cyclists. Attention has

or not properly thought through. In

been paid to every detail on the street.

order to achieve a result that takes local

The main goal has been to highlight

interests into account, the city undertook

local values and therefore to make the

a multiannual project, which included

walk to the museum seem less of an

organising discussions, exhibitions, a

effort. Semi-natural biotic communities

vision competition, and, lastly, designing

have mostly been used in landscaping,

comprehensive infrastructure for light

which makes the street extremely lush

traffic. This is more than simply a space

and attractive in summer.

to pass through; it is a solution that

Playgrounds across town

has created places for various activities, which are frequently used by the locals. The universal design and diverse solutions mean that people of all ages and

In order to encourage people of all age

capabilities can find something active

groups to become more active, Tartu

to do.

has set itself the goal to build at least one playground in various districts of the city. Professional landscape architects are always involved to guarantee good architectural solutions; in addition to selecting the playground equipment, they ensure the entire territory is attractive and diverse.

Semi-natural biotic communities have mostly been used in landscaping, which makes the street extremely lush and attractive in summer. Smart City Tartu

The courtyard of Aparaaditehas

and their terraces, greenhouses, greenery, as well as a play area for children. Concerts, fairs, outdoor cinema sessions

Aparaaditehas, or the Widget Factory,

and other cultural events are organised

is a fairly new cultural factory in Tartu,

in the courtyard all year round.

which acts as an umbrella for numerous

creative

companies,

restaurants

and cafĂŠs, galleries and concert venues. In 2014, the citizens of Tartu decided that resources from the participative budget should be used to streamline the courtyard of the factory in order to make it even more attractive. The result is a comprehensive solution to a public space, which is enriched by several cafĂŠs

Smart City Tartu

Many ideas that were implemented as a result of participative budgeting have given a push to the development of certain districts.

Smart City Tartu

Tartu is also home to the Estonian National Museum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the very centre of national heritage

Smart City Tartu

Arts, Culture and Heritage Management Tartu is known as the cultural centre of

as the European Capital of Culture

Estonia. Many historically and culturally

2024.. The development and heritage

important landmarks and events have

management of culture, arts and history

been, and continue to be, created and

has been one of the key focuses of the

initiated in Tartu. For example, the first

City Government; therefore, the city

university – the University of Tartu – was

has a well-designed support system for

founded here in 1632 (currently among

cultural projects as well as for the orga-

the top 3% in the world), the national

nisers and developers of these projects.

theatre was created in Tartu in 1870,

The system has helped to enrich the

the first song festival took place in

city’s cultural life and cultural calendar

Tartu (1869) and Tartu is also home to

remarkably throughout the last decade.

the Estonian National Museum – the

The website kultuuriaken.tartu.ee helps

very centre of national heritage. And,

visitors and citizens alike find events

in summer 2019, Tartu was confirmed

taking place in and around Tartu.

Smart City Tartu

There are numerous festivals in the

organisers like to experiment with the

calendar that specifically focus on repre-

format of the festival to give life to the

senting the arts and architecture of

most interesting and bizarre street art

Tartu and embrace community life and

projects, explain the true nature of street

co-creation by the city, its communities

art to the wider public and support the

and local companies, such as:

active street art scene.

Urban Festival UIT

Tartu light festival TAVA

The festival programme includes pieces

TAVA, or Tartu in Light, is a compre-

that are either composed for or derived

hensive,

from the urban space of Tartu: perfor-

festival of lighting and light art. The

mances,

main programme of the festival consists

concerts,

urban

tours

and

international,

games, including activities for children.

In previous years, UIT has had the plea-

installations, a conference, a light fair

sure of hosting artists from countries

and indoor exhibitions. In addition,

such as Italy, Spain, Great Britain, the

smaller-scale satellite programmes are

Baltic States, and as far afield as Brazil.

organised in collaboration with cultu-

Street art festival Stencibility

international

cross-sector

workshops,

outdoor

ral organisations and companies from Tartu. The whole event is site-specific â&#x20AC;&#x201C; light art, as well as architectural lighting installations, are created, taking into

Stencibility is a street art festival in the

consideration the essence of Tartu, and

most authentic quintessential definition.

they are built on site.

The aim is to support free independent street art and do everything to support its existence. The festival unites artists and people who support this cause. The

Tartu Love Film Festival Tartuff Tartu Love Film Festival Tartuff, which is

17 newly renovated apartment buildings have had their walls painted with diverse pieces of art, created by artists from all over the world.

a favourite among locals, has been organised since 2006 and has offered its audiences strong emotions, self-reflection, wistfulness and recognition. Films that directly or indirectly speak about love are screened in the Town Hall Square over a period of six days, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the magic of cinema and love. In the summer of 2019, there were approximately 15,000 cinema visits in total. All screenings held

Smart City Tartu

Films are screened in the Town Hall Square over a period of six days

Smart City Tartu

during the festival are free of charge. The

wooden

film programme is always supplement-

Town) and Karlova, and the newer

ed by exciting discussions and various

Aparaaditehas

family-friendly special events. The cosy

area are excellent representations of the

August atmosphere of Tartuff has made

cultural heritage, architecture and artis-

it one of the most cherished open-air

tic co-creation of Tartu, offering a spe-

festivals in Estonia.

cific alternative vibe and special milieu,

Community festivals

districts

(the

Supilinn Widget

(Soup

Factory)

which can only be enjoyed in Tartu. One fifth of the inhabitants of Tartu are students, and the youthful atmo-

Community festivals take place in vari-

sphere is part of Tartuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core essence.

ous districts of the city, representing the

Therefore, students are considered to

life, developments and arts specific to

hold an important role in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

that area and its inhabitants.

development. To keep up the student

In addition to the community festivals,

vibe and attract more international

the communal gardens and the old

students, several initiatives are sup-

Smart City Tartu

ported by the city and various institu-

Ministry of Culture, considers the inter-

tions. There are city-wide student festi-

national reach, community inclusion

vals in April and September, offering

and artistic quality of the festivals.

more than 100 events over the course of one week, there are art residencies

sTARTUp Day

offered by the TYPA centre (formerly The Estonian Print and Paper Museum) and

Tartu is also known as a city of business

Tartu Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union as well as many

and innovation, where a strong start-up

other initiatives. In spring 2015, Tartu

community has developed during the

Student Days were recognised in Europe

last ten years. The city decided to fully

with the EFFE (Europe for Festivals,

streamline the area in front of the main

Festivals for Europe) quality label. The

railway station.. sTARTUp Day started

label,

the

out in 2016 as an idea to incorporate the

European Commission and the Estonian

many business events organised in Tartu.

which

was

awarded

Surprisingly, the first festival ended up becoming the biggest business festi-

The first festival ended up becoming the biggest business festival in the Baltics.

val in the Baltics. In 2019, sTARTUp Day took place for the third time, bringing together 4000 participants and 100 world-class

speakers.

sTARTUp

Day

brings together start-up-minded people to celebrate entrepreneurship in the smart city of Tartu.

Smart City Tartu

A clean environment and maintaining green city living have been Tartuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus for decades

Smart City Tartu

Environmental Protection and Green Economy A clean environment and maintaining

is to renovate one school a year, provid-

green city living have been Tartuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus

ing up-to-standard learning conditions

for decades. Tartu has always tried

while turning school buildings into

near-zero-energy buildings.

make

environmentally

conscious

decisions regarding its environment, industry, infrastructure and the health of its citizens. An occasionally easily forgotten aspect of the quality of life in Tartu is that 99% of the city is covered by a fresh-water network. The city is constantly putting effort into protecting its

Tartu is aiming to become the first CO2-neutral municipality in the Baltic States

fresh groundwater sources and making sure our waste water is free of danger-

Tartu joined The Covenant of Mayors

ous pollutants. Tartu also has one of the

in 2014 to create better structure and

first municipal environmental educa-

measure its efforts in reducing the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

tion institutions in Estonia, established

environmental impact. The city took it

in 1949.

upon itself to reduce energy consump-

Smart homes

tion and CO2 emissions by 20% and increase renewable energy consumption to 20% of total consumption by

One of the priorities of Tartu City

the year 2020, compared with the year

Government is to support conscious

2010. Tartu is setting new goals for 2030

decisions for citizens in improving their

and is looking to further reduce CO2

lives and protecting the environment.

emissions by 40% compared to 2010.

The key project in recent years has

Development of the new action plan

been SmartEnCity project which has

has been a cross-sector effort involving

helped the city to support more than

local industry and entrepreneurs, NGOs,

1400 inhabitants of 17 Soviet-era apart-

the Ministries of the Environment and

ment buildings with 3.2 million euros

Economy,

different

interest

groups,

to renovate their homes and bring the

Tartuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s universities and neighbouring

40-to-50-year-old buildings into the 21st

municipalities. In 2020, Tartu will start

century. Whilst supporting this renova-

research

tion, the city has also been a role model

CO2-neutral municipality in the Baltic

in energy-efficient renovation. The aim

States.

into

becoming

the

Smart City Tartu

first

Sustainable District Heating Solutions Tartu has been a user and promoter of

emissions by 70% compared with traditional on-site cooling solutions.

Mobility

district heating since the 1970s. District heating is recognised as the most

The worldwide trend in mobility that

efficient and environmentally friendly

has seen the rise of private transporta-

means of heating the city. A mandatory

tion has also affected Tartu but in the

district heating network covers 80% of

recent years the city government has

the city. The network is 98% powered

made an effort to reverse the trend and

by local renewable energy sources,

make Tartu more cyclist and pedestrian

making Tartuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heating CO2 emissions

friendly. More than 100 km of new bike

close to zero. In 2016, in cooperation

lanes have been built over the past five

with the district heating provider, the

years. The public transportation network

city started the first river-water-powered

was revolutionised in the summer of

district-cooling network in the Baltic

2019. More than 23 data sets were used

States. The cooling for the network is

to develop the new bus network, and the

provided by river water, and most of

data-based plan was finalised in cooper-

the power needed to operate cooling

ation with Tartu citizens. Since summer

station pumps and heat exchangers is

2019, all Tartu buses operate on CNG and

produced on site using solar panels. This

efforts are being made to use biogas

solution helps to reduce cooling CO2

produced from Tartuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waste water. At

Smart City Tartu

the same time, the city launched Tartu

Tartu is to reduce private car use to 20%

Smart Bike Share System as a new

of all travel by the year 2040.

service within its public transportation system â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 69 stations and 750 bikes (including 500 electric and 250 regular bikes). The first 20 weeks of the bike share system were a complete success, with more than 20,000 registered users, and over 447,000 rides made at a total mileage of over 1.3 million km. In other words, in those first 20 weeks, the bike share system was used to ride the equivalent distance to the moon and back and to the moon again. The goal for

The bike share system has been used to ride the equivalent distance to the moon and back and to the moon again

Smart City Tartu

One of the main challenges for Tartu in the upcoming years is the preparation to become the European Capital of Culture in 2024.

Smart City Tartu

Community Participation and Empowerment Inclusion is a natural part of life in Tartu.

major events that will attract thousands

Communities are used to being asked to

of locals and foreign guests, the Capital

give their opinions and these opinions

of Culture is expected to act together

are also taken on board. The opportunity

with its communities and various groups

to have a say is actively used and citizens

of residents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including those who

feel responsible for the development

rarely partake in cultural activities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and

of the city and the living environment.

include them as audiences and creators.

Tartu invites citizens to have their say on many different topics in order to make

Participative budgeting

better decisions. One of the main challenges for Tartu in

Tartu was the first local government in

the upcoming years is the preparation to

Estonia that started to organise partici-

become the European Capital of Culture

pative budgeting in 2013 to give citizens

in 2024. This is a broad cultural and

more opportunities to have a say in issues

developmental project, which will give

concerning the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development. The

all parties a common goal and a reason

model has been made even more inclu-

for closer cooperation. In addition to

sive and substantial in cooperation with

Smart City Tartu

communities. Many other municipalities

impact is clearly visible over the seven

in Estonia have used the Tartu model as

years this process has been active. Many

the basis for their participative budget-

ideas that were implemented as a result

ing process.

of participative budgeting have given

Participative budgeting gives citizens

a push to the development of certain

the opportunity to decide on which

districts. Thus, investing a relatively small

investments a certain amount of money

sum of money in the right places has

should be spent every year. In 2019,

had a much bigger impact than people

the amount was 200,000 euros, which

first anticipated. Ten ideas, which have

will be used for the implementation of

influenced the development of the city

two ideas. The City Council reviews the

in various regions and in various ways,

amount for the participative budget

have been implemented over the last

every couple of years and increases

seven years.

it if possible. The process includes idea-gathering, many discussions with experts and citizens, and a public vote in which the ideas to be implemented will

Idea-gathering platform ArcGis

be decided. In addition to the winning

The participative budgeting process is

ideas that actually get implemented, the

not the only idea-gathering the city has

participative budgeting process gives

organised to collect opinions and ideas

the City Government a lot of feedback

fROM citizens. The city has invested into

on problems that need to be solved.

the development of a geoinformation

One of the goals of participative budget-

system, and now the preparation of

ing is to encourage communities to

the comprehensive plan and the inclu-

cooperate more in issues concerning

sion of local residents has led to a new

the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development, and this positive

solution in the form of the ArcGis online environment, which allows all citizens and stakeholders constant access to

Participative budgeting gives citizens the opportunity to decide on which investments a certain amount of money should be spent every year.

information concerning the preparation of the comprehensive plan. In summary, the city constantly invests in tools for the inclusion of the general public and diversifies opportunities for everyone to participate in the planning process. Increasing the participation of young people

and

students

particularly

important to the city, as the implementation of plans is a long process and must include solutions suitable for all generations at the time of establishment.

Smart City Tartu

Ten ideas, which have influenced the development of the city in various regions and in various ways, have been implemented over the last seven years.

organise events that strengthen the feeling of community, such as district days, garden cafĂŠ days, etc. The City Government

highly

appreciates

the

activities of these societies and always listens to their opinions.

Tartu Welcome Centre The City of Tartu, the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences opened the Tartu Welcome Centre in August 2019. The aim of the

Public discussions

centre is to help those foreigners staying in South Estonia for a long time better

In addition to idea-gathering, Tartu

adjust to local life. The centre provides

organises public discussions on issues

all of the services meant for foreign-

important to the city. Members of the

ers (i.e. act as a one stop shop) so that

City Government have personally visited

foreign talents who arrive here do not

city

major

have to run around the city looking for

projects in order to speak to the local

districts

when

different agencies to get their papers

community and listen to their opinions.

in order. Tartu has historically been an

Public

attracted

international city because of its univer-

large numbers of people, were held in

sities, and Tartu Welcome Centre is a

almost all districts when the current

big step forward in helping foreigners

comprehensive plan for Tartu was being

integrate and to include them in the life

prepared or other important plans (the

of the city.

discussions,

planning

which

new bus line network for example) were introduced.

Cooperation with district societies The existence of interested and good partners is also important for successful inclusion. Many districts of Tartu have active district societies that look after the interests of their communities and discuss many important issues with the

The city constantly invests in tools for the inclusion of the general public and diversifies opportunities for everyone to participate in the planning process.

City Government. These societies also

Smart City Tartu

Tartu is a city of health. The city health day has been organised since 2004

Smart City Tartu

Healthy Lifestyle Tartu residents of all ages lead an active

emotion gained from exercise is more

lifestyle and love exercise. A compact

important

and green urban space encourages

sporting events attract thousands of

people to be active. Tartu is an impor-

people every year.

tant regional centre for amateur sports where various sporting events attracting

than

winning.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Numerous health events

numerous participants are held every year. Approximately 250 sporting events

Tartu is a city of health. The city health

are organised every year, many of them

day has been organised since 2004 and

international. The best known among

it gives citizens the opportunity to partic-

these are the Tartu Marathon competi-

ipate in health walks, have their health

tions, the Tour of Estonia (cycling), Miss

checked and ask specialists for advice

Valentine (gymnastics), Rally Estonia

about health and healthy behaviour.

(motorsport), the Tartu Mill Triathlon,

The campaign Walk for Health has been

in addition to many others. A series of

organised since 2007 and invites the

events is organised every year attracting

people of Tartu to walk more in order to

thousands of people who love being

boost their health. The health olympics

active. The fact that the head office of

for seniors have been held since 2013, the

the Worldloppet Ski Federation has been

goal of which is to activate and motivate

based at the Club Tartu Maraton in Tartu

senior citizens to be physically active.

since 2016 speaks of the importance of

The city also uses the Healthy Tartu logo,

Tartu in the organisation of international

which refers to all activities encouraging

sporting events.

a healthy lifestyle and promotes Tartu as an active city.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sporting events The Tartu Mini Complex Event was organised for the first time in 2007 on the basis of the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events of Club Tartu Maraton. The series was created

encourage

children

exercise consistently and provide the experience of participation in a grassroots sporting event, where the positive

Smart City Tartu

www.tartu.ee www.visittartu.com business@tartulv.ee

Photos by: Tanel Kindsigo - pp. 2, 10 Tiit Grihin - p. 4 Tiit Sild - p. 6 Meelis Lokk - pp. 8, 27 Maris Tomba - p. 9

Smart City Tartu

Kiur Kaasik - pp. 11, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21 Oliver Kuusk - p. 13 Silver Siilak - p. 16 Uku Peterson - p. 18 Heikki Leis - p. 24

Smart City Tartu