Marija Satibaldijeva

The Future of Riga’s microrayons

Growing up in Latvia, like many, I lived in a Soviet-era apartment building in a neighbourhood called a ‘microrayon’. These areas remain a significant part of life in Latvia today, but many are stuck in the past, losing touch with their original principles and ideologies. 

Now, the challenge is clear: these microrayons need a reboot. They need to adapt to today’s issues and fit in with how people live now. 

In Latvia’s capital, Riga, the condition of apartments and microrayons has been shaped by events following the Soviet Union’s collapse. These neighbourhoods often have a negative reputation. With my graduation project, I aimed to shift that perspective by emphasising their potential and figuring out how to prepare them for the future. 

Why microrayons of Riga? The city faces more significant challenges with microrayons. Ownership changes and the larger size of these areas make it more challenging to get everyone on the same page compared to smaller places in Latvia. In those areas, it’s easier to renovate, because they’re smaller and there are fewer people to agree on things. 

Instead of tearing everything down, let’s work with what we have. Improve the buildings and neighbourhoods – it’s like giving them a makeover. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a crucial aspect of ensuring our city grows in a thoughtful and sustainable way. 

So, how can these microrayons contribute to a climate-friendly future for Riga?

In my project, I discovered qualities of microrayons, and I developed strategies that are about accepting the situation –  embracing qualities of Riga and it’s microrayons; strategies that can be applied in all Riga’s microrayons and together can contribute to a climate-positive Riga.

With my project, I wanted to inspire the people of Riga and all over Latvia. Living in these neighbourhoods can be part of making our future more sustainable. 

Graduation date: 11 July 2024
Graduation committee: Martin Probst (mentor), Johan De Wachter, Māra Liepa-Zemeša
Additional members for the exam: Markus Appenzeller, Hiroki Matsuura