State Architect Tõnis Arjus: how to manage changes that no one is accountable for

Estonia's first state architect Tõnis Arjus shares his experiences from his first year in office and explains why creating compact settlements and making better use of existing space is one of Estonia's most important challenges for the future. Arjus emphasises that quality spatial solutions do not emerge only through architects' work, but require broad cooperation and the application of soft power.

Tõnis Arjus, who took up the position of Estonia's first state architect a year ago, openly admits that he was sceptical about the role before taking office. "I demanded the abolition of the state architect position," he had said on a radio programme before receiving an actual offer.

Three initial concerns

Before accepting, Arjus had three main worries. First: does a grand-sounding position come with real influence? To his surprise, it emerged that Estonia's state architect has a direct role in spatial decision-making enshrined in law. His team, the Strategic Spatial Planning Service, is responsible for reviewing plans, directing the use of state land, and land valuation.

Second, he was concerned whether one person could manage such diverse tasks simultaneously-leading the service (36 positions), participating in commissions, coordinating between various stakeholders and serving as public spokesperson-without compromising work quality. Third, he saw a risk of bureaucratic bloat, which he had witnessed both while working in local government and as a strategic consultant in the private sector.

"We set an objective: instead of expanding bureaucracy, to reduce it; instead of formalism, to seek the best ideas together," Arjus writes.

Quality space as a practical objective

Arjus emphasises that "quality space" is not an abstract concept. Its foundations were formulated nearly two thousand years ago by Vitruvius: firmitas, utilitas, venustas-durability, utility and beauty. Since this year, spatial quality criteria have also been legally mandatory in Estonia.

According to the state architect, there are four key lessons in creating quality space. First: space is not created by architects and planners alone. For example, the Police and Border Guard Board works with the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to create a safer environment. Second, quality criteria must be built into decision-making processes. Together with the Finance Ministry, a methodology review has been launched to ensure that spatial quality principles are systematically considered in the early stages of state real estate investments.

Third, Estonia needs more "spatial diplomacy." The extension of Theatre Estonia, Gorhill, a major hospital in Tallinn, or the possible relocation of the court from the Old Town show how quickly stakeholders can take opposing positions. Fourth, quality spatial solutions require more targeted engagement-choosing the right people, questions and methods at the right time.

Compactness as a guiding mission

According to Arjus, in the coming years, creating compact settlements will be the guiding mission of the state architect's work, stemming from the national plan. Uncontrolled sprawl and spatial fragmentation are making Estonia's upkeep increasingly expensive, while there is a need for a quality living environment and affordable housing across the country.

"Before expanding into new areas, you must always ask: can the same need be met in existing space?" Arjus writes. The compactness objective is pursued across all services, from planning advice to allocating state land, and through local government development networks.

As his first pilot project, the state architect's team organised a preliminary planning architectural competition for the Sindi centre in Tori Municipality.

Arjus concludes his thoughts with surprising confidence: "I haven't asked in a long time whether Estonia needs a state architect." In his view, the greatest potential for impact lies precisely in applying soft power-using cooperation networks to solve complex problems whose consequences will shape our future for decades to come.