Sulev Nurme - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sulev Nurme

Political tides are evident in most community development practices. Sometimes it hinders good pl... more Political tides are evident in most community development practices. Sometimes it hinders good planning while at other times it aides development, and sometimes the unintended consequences of politics preserve neighborhoods for a long time, allowing for a totally different development outcome. This article is a detailed case study of one such neighborhood. This neighborhood, known as Supilinn, in Tartu Estonia was a rundown area slated for total demolition during Soviet occupation. Due to the lack of finances and low priorities, the former communist regime abandoned the idea of demolition and left the neighborhood to deteriorate further. Two decades later, Supilinn is a bustling community where young and old, rich and poor, existing and new, all co-exist. A community left to die has resurrected itself through bottom up planning and citizen initiatives to become one of the preferred places to live, so much so that the neighborhood now faces the threat of gentrification with social di...

Transylvanian review of administrative sciences, 2013

This article deals with the changes that have taken place in the Supilinn district in Tartu, Esto... more This article deals with the changes that have taken place in the Supilinn district in Tartu, Estonia due to the gentrification process. The gentrification process affects the cultural, social, economic, and physical environment of the area. People have been interested in this topic since the 1960s. Nowadays, there is also reason to discuss this issue in the context of Estonia and of the Supilinn district. Studying and understanding the processes that take place in the living environment, provides an opportunity to be more aware about them and to influence the development of these processes. This article provides an analysis of the conditions necessary for gentrification in the Supilinn district, describes the process of gentrification, and tries to assess the current developmental stage of the gentrification process. Cities are shaped by their people. Every area has a unique look that is shaped not only by the physical environment, but also by the principles, values, and wishes of i...

rtsa.ro

Political tides are evident in most community development practices. Sometimes it hinders good pl... more Political tides are evident in most community development practices. Sometimes it hinders good planning while at other times it aides development, and sometimes the unintended consequences of politics preserve neighborhoods for a long time, allowing for ...

Forestry Studies, 2020

Not much is known about the 17th-century Estonian and Livonian landscape architecture. Most of th... more Not much is known about the 17th-century Estonian and Livonian landscape architecture. Most of the information is based on the descriptions found in historical archival and literary sources and on some of the well-known engravings. According to these, a common idea of that era's landscape architecture is that it was humble in scale and design, and was similar to the practice of late-medieval times when there was no space or ambition to grow woody plants in small gardens of castles. But when diving into the Swedish manor plans dating back to the last decades of the 17th century, it can be noted that the layouts of manorial hearts are inherent to the spatial design of early baroque, which is characterized by a landscape that has strongly been redesigned and includes a decorative garden, kitchen garden and a park. This article focuses on the spatial composition of Estonian and Livonian manor parks of the second half of the 17th century and observes the role of trees and their use i...

Prosperity of manorial culture in 18th century created prerequisites for the powerful development... more Prosperity of manorial culture in 18th century created prerequisites for the powerful development of manor centres. Cartesian approach to space, architecture and garden art made their way to Estonia which, over more than a century, despite the Great Northern War, plaque and famine, created a basis for a unique and universal cultural phenomenon in the context of European villa culture called Balti villa rustica. Manorial cores based on the Baroque approach to space became ideological and visual landmarks as the spiritual and economical centres that defined the local landscape pattern and image for centuries. Changes that occurred were ground breaking, which resulted in the development of the manorial ensemble and landscape shaped by it. Manor ensembles define the local milieu in many places and are, to date, one of the fundamental elements of the space identity. According to the paradigm of the Baroque spatial approach, the manor core needs space in order to be assertive; the expressiveness of the Baroque spatial programme cannot be understood in an intelligible manner or perceived when it is separate from the surrounding landscape. Thus, the Baroque manor core depends on the landscape and vice versa – the Baroque manorial landscape also needs a strong centre in order to define itself. Therefore, whatever spatial changes happen in the manorial core or in the landscape connected to it, they inevitably influence them both. This doctoral thesis deals with Estonian baroque manor ensembles and the landscape connected to them as a conceptual architectural spatial whole. The wider purpose of this work was to introduce the spatial development of Baltic villa rustica in the period of 1670-1800 as an exciting phenomenon in Estonian building and garden art history. Three principal research questions are raised in this work which, aim to unravel the spatial structure of the Estonian baroque villa ensemble, its characteristics in the 18th century and today and how are they affected by the building and development activities today. This work is a comprehensive analysis of the spatial structure of 17th and 18th century manor ensembles and their specific nuances. It is an in-depth exploration of a cultural phenomenon in Estonian history, one that still manifests itself in the country’s landscape. The study explores principles of restoration, conservation and maintenance of this architectural legacy connected to the landscape, and concludes that a historic, architecturally valuable, object cannot be dealt with separately from the landscape it affects. No other single piece of work provides the breath and detail on the history, cultural values and contemporary significance, and restoration principles for Estonian baroque manor ensembles. This work is a combination of published articles and this volume which, is divided into six larger chapters. The first chapter introduces the research questions and methodology. The second chapter gives an overview of the general thoughts and specifics of building and garden art in Europe inherent to the Baroque villa architecture. The third chapter describes the background system of the Estonian baroque manor cores and the periods of local Baroque construction art within the context of manor architecture. The principal spatial module of Estonian baroque manor ensemble and the landscape connected to it is formulated in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter analyses the affects of spatial decisions on manor core’s values that are being made in the manor ensemble or its landscape. The final chapter presents the summary and conclusions. Methodologically the manorial ensemble and manorial landscape related to it is being dealt with as a wholesome, conceptually significant, architectural creation, which has meaning that is defined by the ensemble’s spatial programme. The significance, therein, is defined through values that help to perceive the ensemble and its landscape as Baroque. Values that the manor landscape entails can be defined, based on many aspects, differently but in this work they are concentrated on the significance that can be attributed to the manorial ensemble as a historical architectural piece while focusing on the spatial structure of the ensemble. When dealing with the manorial cores based on the paradigm of the spatial approach of 18th century, it can be said that the manor ensemble, as a spatial composition and as a field of significance, is one of the less transformed phenomena in the manor culture compared to other values attributed to manor ensembles today or in 18th century. During this work the compositional changes in 62 different manor cores were compared during two abstract moments of time: 18th century and today. As a result a spatial model of the Estonian baroque manor core was constructed. Based on this, possible affects of different spatial decisions on Baroque spatial structures were analysed. The analysis proceeded from three levels: landscape-ensemble level,…

The period of peace following the Great Northern War (1700 – 1721) allowed Estonian manorculture ... more The period of peace following the Great Northern War (1700 – 1721) allowed Estonian manorculture to flourish. The baroque manorial cores, acting as local economic and cultural centres,turned into visual and symbolic landmarks that defined the local landscapes and land-use patterns.Baroque manor ensembles, due to their theatrical layout, are closely connected to theirsurrounding landscapes. This in turn means it is impossible to holistically understand, protect orpresent these ensembles without the added context of their surrounding landscape. The followingarticle is based on author’s PhD thesis "Understanding the role of 18th Century Estonian manorensembles in contemporary planning and conservation" and discusses how the conceptualcharacteristics of Estonian baroque manor ensembles and their landscapes are essential toperceiving the manor ensemble as an architectural whole. The results presented in this articledefine different areas in manorial landscapes in which spatial ...

One of the greatest problems related to the restoration of Estonian manor parks is the scarcity o... more One of the greatest problems related to the restoration of Estonian manor parks is the scarcity of historical materials. The existing archival materials provide a relatively good overview of the development of the manors as economic units, but information on the buildings, and especially the parks, is limited. Virtually no materials have survived on the design of the parks, and therefore, conclusions can be drawn about the historical park space based primarily on the plans of the manor lands that have survived from the 19th century. Based on these maps, it is possible to generally analyse the land utilisation, road networks, and buildings as well as bodies of water, to a greater or lesser degree. In a few instances, it is also possible to analyse more specifi c aspects like park structures and landscaping. Usually, it is not possible to analyse the terrain based on the plans of the historical centres of the manors. The analysis of park topography is a major component of site analysi...

The late 19th-century and early 20th-century 'grand era' of manor parks in Estonia coincides with... more The late 19th-century and early 20th-century 'grand era' of manor parks in Estonia coincides with a period when English gardening ideas dominated Europe. What is less recognised, however, is that manors in Estonia possess formal French-inspired gardens dating from the mid-18th century (the introduction of Baroque design in Estonia was delayed). Today, about 600 complete manor ensembles remain, retaining distinctive structural characteristics which date from the 18th-19th centuries. It is quite typical that in old parks of Estonia Baroque and English garden styles have merged, giving them a unique and original character. This research reports on archival study, field investigation and map analyses of 45 protected manor parks in Estonia. The analysis suggests that, despite the relatively short period (ca. 1730-1770), formal Baroque gardening was the dominant style practised in Estonia. The movement had a significant influence on local garden design, and on landscape planning more broadly. The Baroque elements in manor lands include formal geometric spaces, axial connections between landscape and buildings, orchestrated vistas and tree-lined roadways. Within the Baroque garden, formal plantings, pathways and water features were arranged in classical configurations. Finding physical traces of Baroque artefacts today is difficult because many manor parks were destructed during the Soviet era in the latter half of the 20th century. Nevertheless, archival materials and present-day visits to garden ruins in manor parks suggest that formal Baroque gardens dating from mid 18th-century manor lands were vivid and sophisticated ensembles of formal terrain, tree allées, sculptural elements and finely orchestrated water elements.

Good solutions do not necessarily need to be highly complicated or costly. This article introduce... more Good solutions do not necessarily need to be highly complicated or costly. This article introduces a simple way to improve the economic efficiency of the digitalization of dendrological inventory data. The application developed in this study makes it possible to effectively link drawing and database programmes so that data can be utilized in both CAD (computer-aided design) and GIS (geographic information system) systems. Furthermore, no additional investments in training or technology are necessary, as this application uses software already featured in most plan design offices.

DOCTORAL THESIS, 2019

Prosperity of manorial culture in 18th century created prerequisites for the powerful development... more Prosperity of manorial culture in 18th century created prerequisites for the powerful development of manor centres. Cartesian approach to space, architecture and garden art made their way to Estonia which, over more than a century, despite the Great Northern War, plaque and famine, created a basis for a unique and universal cultural phenomenon in the context of European villa culture called Balti villa rustica. Manorial cores based on the Baroque approach to space became ideological and visual landmarks as the spiritual and economical centres that defined the local landscape pattern and image for centuries. Changes that occurred were ground breaking, which resulted in the development of the manorial ensemble and landscape shaped by it. Manor ensembles define the local milieu in many places and are, to date, one of the fundamental elements of the space identity. According to the paradigm of the Baroque spatial approach, the manor core needs space in order to be assertive; the expressiveness of the Baroque spatial programme cannot be understood in an intelligible manner or perceived when it is separate from the surrounding landscape. Thus, the Baroque manor core depends on the landscape and vice versa – the Baroque manorial landscape also needs a strong centre in order to define itself. Therefore, whatever spatial changes happen in the manorial core or in the landscape connected to it, they inevitably influence them both.
This doctoral thesis deals with Estonian baroque manor ensembles and the landscape connected to them as a conceptual architectural spatial whole. The wider purpose of this work was to introduce the spatial development of Baltic villa rustica in the period of 1670-1800 as an exciting phenomenon in Estonian building and garden art history. Three principal research questions are raised in this work which, aim to unravel the spatial structure of the Estonian baroque villa ensemble, its characteristics in the 18th century and today and how are they affected by the building and development activities today. This work is a comprehensive analysis of the spatial structure of 17th and 18th century manor ensembles and their specific nuances. It is an in-depth exploration of a cultural phenomenon in Estonian history, one that still manifests itself in the country’s landscape. The study explores principles of restoration, conservation and maintenance of this architectural legacy connected to the landscape, and concludes that a historic, architecturally valuable, object cannot be dealt with separately from the landscape it affects. No other single piece of work provides the breath and detail on the history, cultural values and contemporary significance, and restoration principles for Estonian baroque manor ensembles.
This work is a combination of published articles and this volume which, is divided into six larger chapters. The first chapter introduces the research questions and methodology. The second chapter gives an overview of the general thoughts and specifics of building and garden art in Europe inherent to the Baroque villa architecture. The third chapter describes the background system of the Estonian baroque manor cores and the periods of local Baroque construction art within the context of manor architecture. The principal spatial module of Estonian baroque manor ensemble and the landscape connected to it is formulated in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter analyses the affects of spatial decisions on manor core’s values that are being made in the manor ensemble or its landscape. The final chapter presents the summary and conclusions.
Methodologically the manorial ensemble and manorial landscape related to it is being dealt with as a wholesome, conceptually significant, architectural creation, which has meaning that is defined by the ensemble’s spatial programme. The significance, therein, is defined through values that help to perceive the ensemble and its landscape as Baroque. Values that the manor landscape entails can be defined, based on many aspects, differently but in this work they are concentrated on the significance that can be attributed to the manorial ensemble as a historical architectural piece while focusing on the spatial structure of the ensemble. When dealing with the manorial cores based on the paradigm of the spatial approach of 18th century, it can be said that the manor ensemble, as a spatial composition and as a field of significance, is one of the less transformed phenomena in the manor culture compared to other values attributed to manor ensembles today or in 18th century. During this work the compositional changes in 62 different manor cores were compared during two abstract moments of time: 18th century and today. As a result a spatial model of the Estonian baroque manor core was constructed. Based on this, possible affects of different spatial decisions on Baroque spatial structures were analysed. The analysis proceeded from three levels: landscape-ensemble level, ensemble level and ensemble sections level. In the first case, affects of changes were viewed on the relations between the ensemble and landscape and on its perception, in the second case on the structure of the ensemble and perception of the composition, in the third case on the specific sections of the ensemble, such as frontcourt, backcourt and park. Based on the analysis, areas were formulated that are sensitive to change in manor ensembles and in their landscapes (which, means that the activities not in coherence with the ensemble’s space happening in these areas change the significance of the ensemble), neutral to change (spatial changes do not affect the significance of the ensemble) or positive to change as they can amplify the Baroque spatial expression on certain conditions (changes that can increase the value of Baroque space and through it increase its significance). In general, the Baroque manor ensemble is spatially vulnerable on the main building’s central axis and on the view directions, both towards the main axis and towards the sides, defined by intersecting axes in front of the frontcourt. In the backcourt and park the more sensitive regions are the area directly bordering the ensemble and the view direction on the central axis extending into the landscape. Any spatial intervention within the ensemble and its parts that does not take into account the volumes and design of the ensemble might decrease its values as a whole.
The study does not suggest preservation for the sake of preservation alone, but takes a realistic and context sensitive look at why and when these architecturally significant manor ensembles should be preserved. It addresses contemporary planning and development pressures within the contact zones of manor ensembles and how new development impacts these vulnerable landscapes. The study further details specific elements of significance that must be protected and how they might best be restored and maintained. As such, the study lends itself to practical applications as well as furthering our understanding of this cultural phenomenon. The practical applications of this work can be extended far beyond the restoration of manor ensembles and provide a real and needed direction for protecting and restoring any architecturally valuable historic structure and the surroundings that give it meaning and significance.

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 2014

Political tides are evident in most community development practices. Sometimes it hinders good pl... more Political tides are evident in most community development practices. Sometimes it hinders good planning while at other times it aides development, and sometimes the unintended consequences of politics preserve neighborhoods for a long time, allowing for a totally different development outcome. This article is a detailed case study of one such neighborhood. This neighborhood, known as Supilinn, in Tartu Estonia was a rundown area slated for total demolition during Soviet occupation. Due to the lack of finances and low priorities, the former communist regime abandoned the idea of demolition and left the neighborhood to deteriorate further. Two decades later, Supilinn is a bustling community where young and old, rich and poor, existing and new, all co-exist. A community left to die has resurrected itself through bottom up planning and citizen initiatives to become one of the preferred places to live, so much so that the neighborhood now faces the threat of gentrification with social di...

Transylvanian review of administrative sciences, 2013

This article deals with the changes that have taken place in the Supilinn district in Tartu, Esto... more This article deals with the changes that have taken place in the Supilinn district in Tartu, Estonia due to the gentrification process. The gentrification process affects the cultural, social, economic, and physical environment of the area. People have been interested in this topic since the 1960s. Nowadays, there is also reason to discuss this issue in the context of Estonia and of the Supilinn district. Studying and understanding the processes that take place in the living environment, provides an opportunity to be more aware about them and to influence the development of these processes. This article provides an analysis of the conditions necessary for gentrification in the Supilinn district, describes the process of gentrification, and tries to assess the current developmental stage of the gentrification process. Cities are shaped by their people. Every area has a unique look that is shaped not only by the physical environment, but also by the principles, values, and wishes of i...

rtsa.ro

Political tides are evident in most community development practices. Sometimes it hinders good pl... more Political tides are evident in most community development practices. Sometimes it hinders good planning while at other times it aides development, and sometimes the unintended consequences of politics preserve neighborhoods for a long time, allowing for ...

Forestry Studies, 2020

Not much is known about the 17th-century Estonian and Livonian landscape architecture. Most of th... more Not much is known about the 17th-century Estonian and Livonian landscape architecture. Most of the information is based on the descriptions found in historical archival and literary sources and on some of the well-known engravings. According to these, a common idea of that era's landscape architecture is that it was humble in scale and design, and was similar to the practice of late-medieval times when there was no space or ambition to grow woody plants in small gardens of castles. But when diving into the Swedish manor plans dating back to the last decades of the 17th century, it can be noted that the layouts of manorial hearts are inherent to the spatial design of early baroque, which is characterized by a landscape that has strongly been redesigned and includes a decorative garden, kitchen garden and a park. This article focuses on the spatial composition of Estonian and Livonian manor parks of the second half of the 17th century and observes the role of trees and their use i...

Prosperity of manorial culture in 18th century created prerequisites for the powerful development... more Prosperity of manorial culture in 18th century created prerequisites for the powerful development of manor centres. Cartesian approach to space, architecture and garden art made their way to Estonia which, over more than a century, despite the Great Northern War, plaque and famine, created a basis for a unique and universal cultural phenomenon in the context of European villa culture called Balti villa rustica. Manorial cores based on the Baroque approach to space became ideological and visual landmarks as the spiritual and economical centres that defined the local landscape pattern and image for centuries. Changes that occurred were ground breaking, which resulted in the development of the manorial ensemble and landscape shaped by it. Manor ensembles define the local milieu in many places and are, to date, one of the fundamental elements of the space identity. According to the paradigm of the Baroque spatial approach, the manor core needs space in order to be assertive; the expressiveness of the Baroque spatial programme cannot be understood in an intelligible manner or perceived when it is separate from the surrounding landscape. Thus, the Baroque manor core depends on the landscape and vice versa – the Baroque manorial landscape also needs a strong centre in order to define itself. Therefore, whatever spatial changes happen in the manorial core or in the landscape connected to it, they inevitably influence them both. This doctoral thesis deals with Estonian baroque manor ensembles and the landscape connected to them as a conceptual architectural spatial whole. The wider purpose of this work was to introduce the spatial development of Baltic villa rustica in the period of 1670-1800 as an exciting phenomenon in Estonian building and garden art history. Three principal research questions are raised in this work which, aim to unravel the spatial structure of the Estonian baroque villa ensemble, its characteristics in the 18th century and today and how are they affected by the building and development activities today. This work is a comprehensive analysis of the spatial structure of 17th and 18th century manor ensembles and their specific nuances. It is an in-depth exploration of a cultural phenomenon in Estonian history, one that still manifests itself in the country’s landscape. The study explores principles of restoration, conservation and maintenance of this architectural legacy connected to the landscape, and concludes that a historic, architecturally valuable, object cannot be dealt with separately from the landscape it affects. No other single piece of work provides the breath and detail on the history, cultural values and contemporary significance, and restoration principles for Estonian baroque manor ensembles. This work is a combination of published articles and this volume which, is divided into six larger chapters. The first chapter introduces the research questions and methodology. The second chapter gives an overview of the general thoughts and specifics of building and garden art in Europe inherent to the Baroque villa architecture. The third chapter describes the background system of the Estonian baroque manor cores and the periods of local Baroque construction art within the context of manor architecture. The principal spatial module of Estonian baroque manor ensemble and the landscape connected to it is formulated in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter analyses the affects of spatial decisions on manor core’s values that are being made in the manor ensemble or its landscape. The final chapter presents the summary and conclusions. Methodologically the manorial ensemble and manorial landscape related to it is being dealt with as a wholesome, conceptually significant, architectural creation, which has meaning that is defined by the ensemble’s spatial programme. The significance, therein, is defined through values that help to perceive the ensemble and its landscape as Baroque. Values that the manor landscape entails can be defined, based on many aspects, differently but in this work they are concentrated on the significance that can be attributed to the manorial ensemble as a historical architectural piece while focusing on the spatial structure of the ensemble. When dealing with the manorial cores based on the paradigm of the spatial approach of 18th century, it can be said that the manor ensemble, as a spatial composition and as a field of significance, is one of the less transformed phenomena in the manor culture compared to other values attributed to manor ensembles today or in 18th century. During this work the compositional changes in 62 different manor cores were compared during two abstract moments of time: 18th century and today. As a result a spatial model of the Estonian baroque manor core was constructed. Based on this, possible affects of different spatial decisions on Baroque spatial structures were analysed. The analysis proceeded from three levels: landscape-ensemble level,…

The period of peace following the Great Northern War (1700 – 1721) allowed Estonian manorculture ... more The period of peace following the Great Northern War (1700 – 1721) allowed Estonian manorculture to flourish. The baroque manorial cores, acting as local economic and cultural centres,turned into visual and symbolic landmarks that defined the local landscapes and land-use patterns.Baroque manor ensembles, due to their theatrical layout, are closely connected to theirsurrounding landscapes. This in turn means it is impossible to holistically understand, protect orpresent these ensembles without the added context of their surrounding landscape. The followingarticle is based on author’s PhD thesis "Understanding the role of 18th Century Estonian manorensembles in contemporary planning and conservation" and discusses how the conceptualcharacteristics of Estonian baroque manor ensembles and their landscapes are essential toperceiving the manor ensemble as an architectural whole. The results presented in this articledefine different areas in manorial landscapes in which spatial ...

One of the greatest problems related to the restoration of Estonian manor parks is the scarcity o... more One of the greatest problems related to the restoration of Estonian manor parks is the scarcity of historical materials. The existing archival materials provide a relatively good overview of the development of the manors as economic units, but information on the buildings, and especially the parks, is limited. Virtually no materials have survived on the design of the parks, and therefore, conclusions can be drawn about the historical park space based primarily on the plans of the manor lands that have survived from the 19th century. Based on these maps, it is possible to generally analyse the land utilisation, road networks, and buildings as well as bodies of water, to a greater or lesser degree. In a few instances, it is also possible to analyse more specifi c aspects like park structures and landscaping. Usually, it is not possible to analyse the terrain based on the plans of the historical centres of the manors. The analysis of park topography is a major component of site analysi...

The late 19th-century and early 20th-century 'grand era' of manor parks in Estonia coincides with... more The late 19th-century and early 20th-century 'grand era' of manor parks in Estonia coincides with a period when English gardening ideas dominated Europe. What is less recognised, however, is that manors in Estonia possess formal French-inspired gardens dating from the mid-18th century (the introduction of Baroque design in Estonia was delayed). Today, about 600 complete manor ensembles remain, retaining distinctive structural characteristics which date from the 18th-19th centuries. It is quite typical that in old parks of Estonia Baroque and English garden styles have merged, giving them a unique and original character. This research reports on archival study, field investigation and map analyses of 45 protected manor parks in Estonia. The analysis suggests that, despite the relatively short period (ca. 1730-1770), formal Baroque gardening was the dominant style practised in Estonia. The movement had a significant influence on local garden design, and on landscape planning more broadly. The Baroque elements in manor lands include formal geometric spaces, axial connections between landscape and buildings, orchestrated vistas and tree-lined roadways. Within the Baroque garden, formal plantings, pathways and water features were arranged in classical configurations. Finding physical traces of Baroque artefacts today is difficult because many manor parks were destructed during the Soviet era in the latter half of the 20th century. Nevertheless, archival materials and present-day visits to garden ruins in manor parks suggest that formal Baroque gardens dating from mid 18th-century manor lands were vivid and sophisticated ensembles of formal terrain, tree allées, sculptural elements and finely orchestrated water elements.

Good solutions do not necessarily need to be highly complicated or costly. This article introduce... more Good solutions do not necessarily need to be highly complicated or costly. This article introduces a simple way to improve the economic efficiency of the digitalization of dendrological inventory data. The application developed in this study makes it possible to effectively link drawing and database programmes so that data can be utilized in both CAD (computer-aided design) and GIS (geographic information system) systems. Furthermore, no additional investments in training or technology are necessary, as this application uses software already featured in most plan design offices.

DOCTORAL THESIS, 2019

Prosperity of manorial culture in 18th century created prerequisites for the powerful development... more Prosperity of manorial culture in 18th century created prerequisites for the powerful development of manor centres. Cartesian approach to space, architecture and garden art made their way to Estonia which, over more than a century, despite the Great Northern War, plaque and famine, created a basis for a unique and universal cultural phenomenon in the context of European villa culture called Balti villa rustica. Manorial cores based on the Baroque approach to space became ideological and visual landmarks as the spiritual and economical centres that defined the local landscape pattern and image for centuries. Changes that occurred were ground breaking, which resulted in the development of the manorial ensemble and landscape shaped by it. Manor ensembles define the local milieu in many places and are, to date, one of the fundamental elements of the space identity. According to the paradigm of the Baroque spatial approach, the manor core needs space in order to be assertive; the expressiveness of the Baroque spatial programme cannot be understood in an intelligible manner or perceived when it is separate from the surrounding landscape. Thus, the Baroque manor core depends on the landscape and vice versa – the Baroque manorial landscape also needs a strong centre in order to define itself. Therefore, whatever spatial changes happen in the manorial core or in the landscape connected to it, they inevitably influence them both.
This doctoral thesis deals with Estonian baroque manor ensembles and the landscape connected to them as a conceptual architectural spatial whole. The wider purpose of this work was to introduce the spatial development of Baltic villa rustica in the period of 1670-1800 as an exciting phenomenon in Estonian building and garden art history. Three principal research questions are raised in this work which, aim to unravel the spatial structure of the Estonian baroque villa ensemble, its characteristics in the 18th century and today and how are they affected by the building and development activities today. This work is a comprehensive analysis of the spatial structure of 17th and 18th century manor ensembles and their specific nuances. It is an in-depth exploration of a cultural phenomenon in Estonian history, one that still manifests itself in the country’s landscape. The study explores principles of restoration, conservation and maintenance of this architectural legacy connected to the landscape, and concludes that a historic, architecturally valuable, object cannot be dealt with separately from the landscape it affects. No other single piece of work provides the breath and detail on the history, cultural values and contemporary significance, and restoration principles for Estonian baroque manor ensembles.
This work is a combination of published articles and this volume which, is divided into six larger chapters. The first chapter introduces the research questions and methodology. The second chapter gives an overview of the general thoughts and specifics of building and garden art in Europe inherent to the Baroque villa architecture. The third chapter describes the background system of the Estonian baroque manor cores and the periods of local Baroque construction art within the context of manor architecture. The principal spatial module of Estonian baroque manor ensemble and the landscape connected to it is formulated in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter analyses the affects of spatial decisions on manor core’s values that are being made in the manor ensemble or its landscape. The final chapter presents the summary and conclusions.
Methodologically the manorial ensemble and manorial landscape related to it is being dealt with as a wholesome, conceptually significant, architectural creation, which has meaning that is defined by the ensemble’s spatial programme. The significance, therein, is defined through values that help to perceive the ensemble and its landscape as Baroque. Values that the manor landscape entails can be defined, based on many aspects, differently but in this work they are concentrated on the significance that can be attributed to the manorial ensemble as a historical architectural piece while focusing on the spatial structure of the ensemble. When dealing with the manorial cores based on the paradigm of the spatial approach of 18th century, it can be said that the manor ensemble, as a spatial composition and as a field of significance, is one of the less transformed phenomena in the manor culture compared to other values attributed to manor ensembles today or in 18th century. During this work the compositional changes in 62 different manor cores were compared during two abstract moments of time: 18th century and today. As a result a spatial model of the Estonian baroque manor core was constructed. Based on this, possible affects of different spatial decisions on Baroque spatial structures were analysed. The analysis proceeded from three levels: landscape-ensemble level, ensemble level and ensemble sections level. In the first case, affects of changes were viewed on the relations between the ensemble and landscape and on its perception, in the second case on the structure of the ensemble and perception of the composition, in the third case on the specific sections of the ensemble, such as frontcourt, backcourt and park. Based on the analysis, areas were formulated that are sensitive to change in manor ensembles and in their landscapes (which, means that the activities not in coherence with the ensemble’s space happening in these areas change the significance of the ensemble), neutral to change (spatial changes do not affect the significance of the ensemble) or positive to change as they can amplify the Baroque spatial expression on certain conditions (changes that can increase the value of Baroque space and through it increase its significance). In general, the Baroque manor ensemble is spatially vulnerable on the main building’s central axis and on the view directions, both towards the main axis and towards the sides, defined by intersecting axes in front of the frontcourt. In the backcourt and park the more sensitive regions are the area directly bordering the ensemble and the view direction on the central axis extending into the landscape. Any spatial intervention within the ensemble and its parts that does not take into account the volumes and design of the ensemble might decrease its values as a whole.
The study does not suggest preservation for the sake of preservation alone, but takes a realistic and context sensitive look at why and when these architecturally significant manor ensembles should be preserved. It addresses contemporary planning and development pressures within the contact zones of manor ensembles and how new development impacts these vulnerable landscapes. The study further details specific elements of significance that must be protected and how they might best be restored and maintained. As such, the study lends itself to practical applications as well as furthering our understanding of this cultural phenomenon. The practical applications of this work can be extended far beyond the restoration of manor ensembles and provide a real and needed direction for protecting and restoring any architecturally valuable historic structure and the surroundings that give it meaning and significance.

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 2014