The newly published book Indispensable Outdoor Space, compiled by Kino Landscape Architects, focuses on urban space as it is designed around and between Estonian buildings. Published side-by-side in Estonian and English, the book gives an overview of the principles guiding the design of modern public spaces that enhance user experience.

The book draws from Kino Landscape Architects’ professional experience to address questions about what constitutes good outdoor space, considerations in its design, tailoring for specific approaches and solutions, and the primary factors when planning such spaces. The book shows how landscape architecture can address a wide range of challenges, from ecological issues to enhancing the diversity of children’s play and developing circular material supply chains. It also showcases the best examples of outdoor spaces created using these approaches.

Among the examples listed in the book are the inner courtyard of the first stage of the Uus-Veerenni housing quarter developed by Merko and the public park located therein. The former received the Estonian Association of Landscape Architects’ annual award in the courtyard category in 2020. The latter is a world-class example of an environment intended for public use by the wider community, incorporating strata from earlier periods to create a multi-purpose, modern urban area. The Uus-Veerenni Park received the 2023 annual award from the Estonian Association of Landscape Architects.

Merko supported the publication of the book, which aligns with the ideas that guide our own development projects. We firmly believe that the quality of outdoor space around a building increasingly affects the well-being of its residents.

In 2023, the book received the annual award of the Estonian Association of Landscape Architects.

Photographs: Kristjan Talistu