13 • 10 • 2015
Two Certificates of Merit at Riga Architecture Awards 2015
For the tenth time, the 2015 Riga Architecture Award of the Year was presented on World Architecture Day, and this year, to the Latvian National Library. The building's reconstruction and project on 1 Vainodes Street, which is run by JSC "Latvia's State Forests", received two certificates of appreciation: public recognition and appreciation for successful use of Latvia's natural treasure – wood, creating an open space for the public in an urban area.
"A lot of interesting projects this year. Their quality totally complied with the goal of this year's show – to create a quality urban area and architecture in Riga. Therefore, together with members of the jury, we were truly glad to present special certificates, stressing the architectonic distinction of these edifices. We also appreciate the active involvement in assessing the candidates, and this is why we are presenting a special "Public Appreciation" certificate for a building, hailed both by Riga residents and visitors," says Gvido Princis, architect of Riga City.
"Second wind" for a new beginning
During the Soviet times, more than 19,000 m2 of this territory belonged to army, and after restoration of independence, it remained vacant and unused, storing training mines. The territory was surrounded by a high concrete wall, behind which one could see a white U-type building. With a new owner, the territory's revitalization began. The existing building's reconstruction and extension began in July, 2013.
75 percent of the local materials were used in the process. The historical building was cleaned, but the new glass building was made in a way to relate to one another harmoniously, as they both have the same cornice height, and the façades are on a single plane.
Taking into account the desires of the main tenant – JSC "Latvia's State Forests" – the building's structures and finishing touches included wood materials. "We wanted to make sure that the building's construction include eco-friendly materials, but the office's heating – renewable natural resources. We also wanted the building to be easy accessible with public transportation nearby. It would be beautiful to work in the middle of a forest, however, we must think about how the employees could reach their work in a convenient way. The most important factor was to have the Riga office's employees situated under the same roof," says LVM spokesman Tomass Kotovics.
LVM office
Wooden details
Those behind the project - the architectural firm known as "5. iela" (5th Street) – implemented an idea of a household garden in the building's yard that would create not only a cozy atmosphere of a park next to the car-filled Ulmana Avenue and distract the visitors' attention from the car park, but also makes one feel that the forest is entering the city. The newly-planted trees near the building's entrance are harmonious with the façade's vertical wooden lines, visually scaling up the building's inner yard.
The building's interior, too, is equipped with wooden elements, such as door openings. A noteworthy feature is the building's entrance hall – a sculptural interior object two-stories high – a singular interpretation about wooden paneling, but of a completely different quality. The object's 46 individual panels are made of Latvia-grown wood – pine, fir, larch, oak, ash, lime, maple, aspen, elm, black alder, and birch. The object has a balanced composition, successfully incorporating huge conference hall doors and a couple of ventilation crossbars.
The building is also well-equipped in terms of engineering technology. The entire building has a common centralized ventilation/cooling system, managed by the building's control system, ensuring a maximum effect of resource use, in terms of energy consumption. The building is equipped with external shutters that change the sun's effect in summer.
Best of the best
Edifices nominated for the 2015 award were rated by representatives of the Latvian Architects' Association, Latvian Council for Sustainable Construction, and Latvian Landscape Architecture Association. There were various categories, like office buildings, apartment buildings, education institutions, culture institutions, factory buildings, trade centers, transport infrastructure, and healthcare institutions. From more than 950 buildings that were revealed last year, 24 that are in Riga were forwarded to the next round. The jury's experts visited and evaluated these buildings throughout the entire summer.
With assistance from the industry's experts, the city's best examples were being looked for and assessed for ensuring a sustainable residential environment, drawing attention to energy efficiency of structures, environmental availability, and compliance with universal design principles. Architectural accomplishments of the historical center of Riga, as well as its vicinity and suburban developments, was also evaluated.
