International firms bid to plan Estonia opera expansion

Six bids have been submitted for a contract to prepare a space programme and volume analysis for the planned expansion of the Estonia National Opera and Ballet, ERR reported. The bidders include two internationally recognised firms whose work includes the Sydney and Copenhagen opera houses.

Arup International Projects Limited, an engineering and design firm of British origin, was involved in designing the structure of the Sydney Opera House. The work was led by the firm’s founder, Sir Ove Arup, and his team, for a building designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon.

Danish architecture firm Henning Larsen is known for designing large cultural and public buildings. One of its best-known projects is the Copenhagen Opera House.

The other bids came from Sirkel & Mall, R-Konsult and Innopolis Insenerid, which submitted two bids.

Estonia director general Ott Maaten said the interest from firms with extensive international experience reflected the importance of the task. He said the aim was to find a well-considered solution that would allow the opera and ballet company to develop while taking account of the historic building and the character of the surrounding urban space.

The contract will produce space programmes and volume analyses for three possible options: an extension towards Uue turu square, rebuilding the existing auditorium and extending the stage, or constructing a new auditorium and stage at Theatre Square. The analyses are intended to compare the options and their constraints, inform future decisions and help prepare an international architecture competition.

Bids are now being checked for compliance and evaluated. The winner will be announced after the evaluation process is complete.