Robert Natus facts for kids

Robert Natus (born March 16, 1890 – died March 31, 1950) was an Estonian architect. He came from a family of Baltic German background, meaning his ancestors were Germans who lived in the Baltic region.

Born in Viljandi, Estonia, Robert Natus studied architecture in Tallinn and Riga at the Riga Technical University. In 1939, he moved to Germany. He is best known for designing the current City Hall of Tallinn, which was built in 1932.

Tallinn City Hall: A Masterpiece

The Tallinn City Hall is one of Robert Natus's most famous buildings. It has a special red brick design on its outside, called a clinker mosaic façade. The building also features beautiful lanterns created by the Estonian sculptor Jaan Koort.

This City Hall stands out on Freedom Square in Tallinn. It's a fantastic example of the Art Deco style, which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Art Deco buildings often have bold shapes and decorative details.

Other Notable Buildings

Robert Natus's unique red brick style from the City Hall was soon used on another of his well-known buildings. This building is located at the corner of Pärnu and Roosikrantsi streets, not far from the City Hall. Its design was inspired by the famous Chilehaus building in Hamburg, Germany, designed by Johann Friedrich Höger.

Natus also designed several apartment buildings and private homes. These buildings often followed a "functionalistic" style, meaning they were designed to be very practical and useful.

Designing Green Cities

In the 1920s, Robert Natus worked with another architect, Ernst Gustav Kühnert. Together, they drew up the main plans for two "garden cities" called Merivälja and Nõmme. These were planned communities with lots of green spaces and gardens, located just outside Tallinn. Nõmme later became part of Tallinn in 1940.

Robert Natus passed away in Bad Wilsnack, Germany.

Gallery of Robert Natus's Works

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  Tallinn City Hall, completed in 1932.

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  The main entrance of the Tallinn City Hall.

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  One of the two lantern holders by sculptor Jaan Koort at the City Hall.

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  The building at Roosikrantsi 23/Pärnu 23, built in 1935.

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  Apartment houses on Kaarli avenue, built in 1933.

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  A private home in Nõmme, built in the 1920s.