Jaama street in Nõmme
Jaama Street, one of the busiest pedestrian routes connecting Nõmme Railway Station with the local market and Tallinn University of Technology, had been in poor condition before the project. As part of Nõmme’s town centre, the street is home to numerous cafés and shops, yet despite its importance it was narrow and, in places, even unsafe for pedestrians.
The redesign of Jaama Street is based on the principles of a shared street, where the previously car-dominated environment has been transformed into a shared public space that prioritises pedestrian comfort. As pedestrians make up the majority of users, the new design creates a safer environment for everyone, including children, for whom smaller streets and public squares should serve as safe places to play. The project also introduces a more level surface throughout the street, significantly improving accessibility both along the street itself and within the surrounding area. This inclusive approach is reflected in the street furniture, which has been designed to accommodate people of different heights, ages, and mobility needs.
A defining element of the project is the dotted paving graphic that runs in a consistent rhythm throughout the street, marking movement routes. This simple yet distinctive design creates a logical, intuitive, and recognisable identity for Jaama Street while helping to organise the space and provide comfort for all users.
The area is conceptually divided into four spatial zones:
1. Pärnu Road–Jaama Street intersection – The entrance to the shared street from Pärnu Road is marked by planted containers, bicycle parking, and small-scale urban furniture. The pedestrian route is defined by the continuous dotted paving pattern.
2. Emapark edge – Along the Rahumäe-facing side of Emapark, a recessed seating area combines planted containers, urban furniture, and small architectural elements in a dense composition. This space is designed primarily for pedestrians, offering opportunities to stop and spend time
3. Central square – The focal point of the square is a pavilion designed according to the original concept sketches of Friedrich Wendach, Nõmme’s town architect. It is framed by compositions of planting containers in various sizes and surrounded by a terrace furnished with seating. On the Emapark side, a children's play area is marked within the paving graphics and complemented by table tennis tables.
4. Railway Street entrance – The shared street entrance from Railway Street is defined by planting containers and urban furniture positioned on both sides of the narrowed carriageway. Here too, the pedestrian zone is identified by the continuous dotted paving pattern.
One of the greatest strengths of the project lies in its simplicity and practicality—one of the key objectives of the design brief. All existing paving and greenery were preserved, with only minimal milling of pavement edges required in certain locations. The newly introduced planting consists of species well suited to Estonia's climate, while the urban furniture has been designed for long-term durability. Most of the furniture is constructed from modular concrete blocks, partially clad in timber. These modular elements made it possible to create a wide variety of seating arrangements and integrated planting pockets. The streetscape also incorporates familiar urban furniture elements manufactured by Extery, reinforcing a sense of continuity within the public realm.
Architecture: Mari Hunt, Kristian Taaksalu, Arvi Anderson, Alvin Kanarbik.
In collaboration: Carmen Kaurson, Alvin Kanarbik, Artur Raik, Erkki Koitla, Ülle Maitse, Anna-Liisa Unt, Siiri Vallner.
Status: built 2023
Photos: Martin Siplane
Info: https://www.sirp.ee/nomme-kohtumine-moodsa-ruumikultuuriga/
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