Model

Photos of the model

Urban and architectural project RIGA

The design strategy emerged from the lack of social urban spaces in Riga and the need to give new life to an abandoned industrial area along the banks of the Daugava River. The project aims to reinterpret an old industrial building for new public functions while reactivating a neglected riverside space and reconnecting it with the city. The site was selected as an empty and inactive area, currently lacking urban life. Based on an analysis of pedestrian inflows from nearby residential areas and the city center, the project introduces a new spatial composition shaped by urban focal points, rhythmic references to existing buildings, and a clear, readable structure. The design prioritizes inclusivity, creating a space that is welcoming to users of all ages and interests. The proposal offers a diverse mix of functions, combining active and passive forms of recreation. These include a playground and open play area for children with a small climbing wall and rope park, wooden deck chairs for sunbathing and relaxation, and two semi-open pavilions designed for exhibitions and sheltered enjoyment of river views during less favorable weather. The program is complemented by three restaurants, a café, a dog park, and a traditional Latvian riverside sauna. Along the riverbank, stepped terraces create places for sitting close to nature and engaging with the landscape. The project enhances green areas throughout the site and introduces a network of pedestrian paths and bicycle routes, strengthening connections within the park and along the river. Together, these elements form a lively, accessible public space that brings new social energy back to the Daugava waterfront.