Sustainable use of Song Festival Grounds
Basic information
Project Title
Sustainable use of Song Festival Grounds
Full project title
Sustainable use of Song Festival Grounds in the town of Keila
Project Description
Monitoring and tuning of sustainable drainage solutions and nature-based solutions on an Avangard song festival grounds project. Implementing mixed cultural and educational use of a public space object during all four seasons.
Current stage development
Prototype level
Project Region
Estonia
Municipality
296: Keila linn (EE)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
EEA (European Economic Area subsidies) 2022. Mitigation of climate change and adaptation to the effects of climate change.
Description of the project
Summary
The aim of our initiative is sustainable use of the renewed Song Festival Grounds as a multifunctional event venue and an all-year-round public space. We aim to implement mixed cultural use like concerts, presentations, shows and sports. Also, educational use like open or semi-private lectures, nature learning through Avangard nature-based solutions. Target group is the entire population of Keila and beyond: popular events have potential to draw people from a larger region around Keila; the youth can use facilities for skateboarding, BMX or ice skating; science, music, PE or biology lessons for school children can take place there; adults of all age groups have well thought access to Keila’s green network of parks and leisure areas; visually or mobility impaired users have access to all facilities.
The song festival grounds are physically near completion but as an event venue it is going through an implementation phase. The multiuse stage was constructed to limit the need for temporary festival tents and stages. The intricate red spiky ceiling provides a unique and recognizable backdrop for events. An integrated hook system for suspending sound systems and lighting is built. At the same time testing and modifying this bespoke system needs a boost. Available combinations and useful addition needs to be considered to save time for event planners.
The first summer of events is behind us but ice rink operation has not yet begun. Open air ice rink piping is integrated into the concrete slab surrounding the stage and is waiting for a heat pump and operator.
Nature based solutions like rainwater harvesting and recycling, the use of green roofs, and the use of innovative water-permeable materials contribute to the mitigation of climate change and adaptation to the effects of climate change at the local level, but needs attention to ensure the system’s longevity and cost efficiency. Data needs to be analyzed to share our experience with integrated SUDS.
The song festival grounds are physically near completion but as an event venue it is going through an implementation phase. The multiuse stage was constructed to limit the need for temporary festival tents and stages. The intricate red spiky ceiling provides a unique and recognizable backdrop for events. An integrated hook system for suspending sound systems and lighting is built. At the same time testing and modifying this bespoke system needs a boost. Available combinations and useful addition needs to be considered to save time for event planners.
The first summer of events is behind us but ice rink operation has not yet begun. Open air ice rink piping is integrated into the concrete slab surrounding the stage and is waiting for a heat pump and operator.
Nature based solutions like rainwater harvesting and recycling, the use of green roofs, and the use of innovative water-permeable materials contribute to the mitigation of climate change and adaptation to the effects of climate change at the local level, but needs attention to ensure the system’s longevity and cost efficiency. Data needs to be analyzed to share our experience with integrated SUDS.
Key objectives for sustainability
Sustainability of upkeeping costs of the song festival grounds was an important input from the local government while procuring the design and building of the facility. For example, minimal heated interior space was designed. Green areas are designed to need minimal maintenance. Long-lasting materials are used out in the open like Bamboo products as seating and reinforced concrete as stairs and retaining walls. Locally sourced spruce is used as siding where it is protected from rain. Earthwork needed minimal transportation outside the building site to limit road transportation emissions and cost.
Multiuse stage with integrated cabling limits equipment transportation needed for event planning and makes event planning easier once all the integrated hook system are tested and tuned.
All-year-round use is expected, so an ice rink option is integrated but is waiting for a heat pump.
Sustainable rainwater management solutions are integrated into the project, since it is being developed as a public space object, and it connects to Keila’s green areas. Song Festival Grounds renovation project is designed to be an example where society uses resources efficiently, promoting human well-being while preserving the natural systems that sustain us. Solutions for the circular economy are a good way to turn environmental problems into economic opportunities, but a system like recycling rainwater in toilets needs monitoring to prove it is used exemplary.
Multiuse stage with integrated cabling limits equipment transportation needed for event planning and makes event planning easier once all the integrated hook system are tested and tuned.
All-year-round use is expected, so an ice rink option is integrated but is waiting for a heat pump.
Sustainable rainwater management solutions are integrated into the project, since it is being developed as a public space object, and it connects to Keila’s green areas. Song Festival Grounds renovation project is designed to be an example where society uses resources efficiently, promoting human well-being while preserving the natural systems that sustain us. Solutions for the circular economy are a good way to turn environmental problems into economic opportunities, but a system like recycling rainwater in toilets needs monitoring to prove it is used exemplary.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
A public landscape architecture competition was held in the second half of 2020 to find the best solution for public space. Song festival grounds now stands as an instantly recognizable work of art built with diligence and attention to detail. Water-permeable innovative paving materials (Ecogrus) are used to lessen the effects of rain during summer events as well as the strain on public rainwater drainage system. Bamboo seating is expected to be peasant to sit on for decades to come. Flowering fields around seating areas have been designed to provide constant flourishing through vegetation period. But several years of weeding and sowing are needed to achieve a long lasting and biodiverse and low maintenance environment.
The public space was built but it needs a final push to make the most of it.
The public space was built but it needs a final push to make the most of it.
Key objectives for inclusion
The design process of the landscape architecture site was publicly presented numerous times and gained input form event planners, singing choirs, schoolteachers and other groups. Universal design is used for the visually or mobility impaired users have access to all facilities through infographics, pathway gradient and doorways to restrooms. Public space is free for use most of the time. It is well lit and monitored by security cameras. Song festival grounds is on the pathway crossing between residential areas, schools and a nursing home and so different social groups meet there and through careful event planning and governance we encourage more cheerful encounters.
How Citizens benefit
The design process of the landscape architecture site was publicly presented numerous times and gained input from event planners, singing choirs, schoolteachers and other groups. Further input is needed from event planners, potential ice rink operators, teachers, waterworks engineers and other specialists to boost the use of public space and share our experience using Avangard solutions.
Innovative character
Most event centers are built as indoor venues for all-year round revenue. Other song festival grounds around Estonia suffer from erratic use, lack of maintenance. Bigger city song festival grounds are pressured by real estate developers to limit the space available for traditional open air song festivals.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Event planners, school representatives, choir song enthusiasts, cultural workers, political representatives with civil servants gave important input and are giving feedback on how the first season of events played out. Public reactions, praises and critiques are taken into account.
Architects, structural engineers, builders, water purification system engineers and environment consultants composed the team that lead the design and building process.
Designers, engineers and environment specialists are still needed for tuning the event center. Ice rink specialists are needed for winter operations.
Architects, structural engineers, builders, water purification system engineers and environment consultants composed the team that lead the design and building process.
Designers, engineers and environment specialists are still needed for tuning the event center. Ice rink specialists are needed for winter operations.
Methodology used
Our initiative to use the song festival grounds also as a public space, as a park area and as sports venue mean better accessibility to different social groups and less running costs to the local government when compared to running a large building complex. Varied and intensive use of public space with exemplary sustainable drainage solutions help locals value our parks and green areas surrounding song festival grounds and promote healthy and responsible lifestyle.
How stakeholders are engaged
The local cultural Center and the local school gave input to design.
The Union of Harju County local municipalities took part in the funding and gave input to the design like other private sector event planners. Now the union is an event planner (Harju County Song- and Dance Festival).
Estonia’s professional association of landscape architects were used to see through the architectural competition.
A nonprofit organization was included to provide analysis for the nature based solutions (MTÜ BaltiKeskkonnafoorum)
Professional team of architects and engineers were included (led by Molumba osaühing) to design the renewal of Keila song festival grounds and experienced builders (OÜ RTS Infra Eesti) to erect the facility.
The European Economic Area subsidies were used to build the facility through a central government agency (Environmental Investment Centre).
Keila Town Government led the process.
The Union of Harju County local municipalities took part in the funding and gave input to the design like other private sector event planners. Now the union is an event planner (Harju County Song- and Dance Festival).
Estonia’s professional association of landscape architects were used to see through the architectural competition.
A nonprofit organization was included to provide analysis for the nature based solutions (MTÜ BaltiKeskkonnafoorum)
Professional team of architects and engineers were included (led by Molumba osaühing) to design the renewal of Keila song festival grounds and experienced builders (OÜ RTS Infra Eesti) to erect the facility.
The European Economic Area subsidies were used to build the facility through a central government agency (Environmental Investment Centre).
Keila Town Government led the process.
Global challenges
Our aim is to use nature-based sustainable solutions in the implementation of the Keila Song Festival Grounds and to contribute to the mitigation of climate change and adaptation to the effects of climate change at the local level.
Learning transferred to other parties
The knowledge and experience implementing the use of an open-air stage with integrated hooks and hanging systems is transferrable to most of more than 300 open-air stages around Estonia and further.
Implementing the use of an ice rink with integrated piping is transferable to other towns with similar ambition. Temporary ice rinks are prevalent at the moment.
Sustainable drainage solutions and reuse of rainwater in toilets are quite well known but rarely seen in Estonia and needs success stories and data to prove its worth. Similar story with green roofs.
The use of rain gardens and water permeable surfaces between seating as an extra protection against flood damage during summer events needs testing and monitoring.
Flowering fields as low maintenance, biodiverse and visually attractive green areas are a lesson we are learning and are ready to share.
Implementing the use of an ice rink with integrated piping is transferable to other towns with similar ambition. Temporary ice rinks are prevalent at the moment.
Sustainable drainage solutions and reuse of rainwater in toilets are quite well known but rarely seen in Estonia and needs success stories and data to prove its worth. Similar story with green roofs.
The use of rain gardens and water permeable surfaces between seating as an extra protection against flood damage during summer events needs testing and monitoring.
Flowering fields as low maintenance, biodiverse and visually attractive green areas are a lesson we are learning and are ready to share.
Next steps
Our initiative has been developed according to NEB values from the beginning. The values will continue to be upheld even if the New European Bauhaus as an initiative is not in the participant’s mind. Sustainability, aesthetics & quality of experience and inclusion are values that are universally recognized in Keila. Data on rainwater use will be gathered, stage systems will be modified and fine-tuned, ice rink will be opened, nature learning and experience sharing will continue, increasing number of events will be held and public space will be kept public. <br />
Keila Town Council approved our Town Climate and Energy plan in 2022, and it supports climate actions in Song Festival Grounds. A project manager specifically for running the Song Festival Grounds was employed 1. February 2024.
Infrastructure or public space
Yes
Political support
Yes
Monetary value awarded
No
