The project develops a research-based framework for renovating standard-design school buildings from the 1960s–1980s. The framework combines the contemporary approach to learning, spatial needs, indoor climate, energy efficiency and prefabricated (off-site) renovation into a single methodology that helps inform renovation decisions before the design process begins. The school is treated not as a single finished solution but as a spatial and technical system that can be changed and adapted over time.
Project implementation: Team from the Estonian Academy of Arts, Tallinn University and TTK University of Applied Sciences
Project partner: Ministry of Education and Research
Project period: Phase I, 1 October – 7 December 2026
Phase I funding: €30,000
Funding: European Union Cohesion Policy 2021–2027 measure “Increasing the Innovation Capacity of the Public Sector” (total budget of the Ministry of Education and Research innovation project: €1.92 million)
Project description
“Factory-Based Renovation of Estonia’s Mass-Produced Educational Buildings Based on the Contemporary Approach to Learning and Energy Efficiency”, or Masterclass (Meistriklass), is a public sector innovation fund project launched jointly by the Ministry of Education and Research, the Government Office and the Ministry of Climate. Its aim is to find a new set of methods, construction technology solutions, spatial quality and speed for renovating Estonia’s standard-design school buildings by testing novel approaches and harnessing the potential of factory-based (prefabricated) construction.
Most of Estonia’s basic schools and upper secondary schools operate in buildings constructed in the 1960s–1980s according to standard designs. Their spatial layout is based on frontal teaching, which requires minimal cognitive engagement from students. These buildings are also characterised by an unsuitable indoor climate, outdated building services and low energy efficiency.
The contemporary approach to learning places the learner’s development at the centre of the learning process. The most effective form of learning is the joint construction of knowledge: collaborative, inquiry-based and project-based activities, discussion and solving problems together. At the same time, students also need time for focused work alone or in pairs, learning in authentic contexts and diverse learning environments. Learning space needs vary between learners, and the same learner may need different types of spaces at different moments. Space affects learning motivation by supporting or hindering the basic psychological needs of students and teachers.
Until now, school renovations have focused mainly on improving technical condition or energy efficiency, treating spatial solutions that support learning and technical systems separately. The project reverses this order: first, it identifies which learning, teaching and usage practices actually take place in the school and how these are shaped by the changed approach to learning, the principles of inclusive education and the school’s development needs. Only then are the spatial qualities that support learning defined, and solutions for indoor climate, energy efficiency and factory-based renovation designed on that basis.
This is the first phase of the Ministry of Education and Research’s Masterclass project, in which, in addition to the joint team of the Estonian Academy of Arts, Tallinn University and TTK University of Applied Sciences, a second research and development team from TalTech is also taking part. At the end of the first phase in December 2026, the team that will carry out the project and the ministry’s future collaboration partner will be selected.
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Image credits:
- Potential for Improving Tallinn's Standard-Design Schools: The Case of Tallinn 32nd Secondary School; student work: Keijo Johann Norden, Raimond Vool, Simona Victoria Vool; Estonian Academy of Arts, vertical studio "Renewing Learning Environments in Estonian Schools", 2025; supervisor: Katrin Koov
- Minimal Intervention: The Case of Pelgulinna Upper Secondary School; student work: Marian Reva, Kirke Kivisoo; Estonian Academy of Arts, vertical studio "Renewing Learning Environments in Estonian Schools", 2025; supervisor: Katrin Koov
