Miks Berzins

Riga, livable city

A snapshot of a dream

Analysis/Problem statement: 
Riga's city centre faces multiple challenges: it resembles a ‘doughnut city’, a drive-through city, and a parking city, with limited pedestrian areas, and struggling businesses, leading to a perception of it as undesirable for living. So, what’s missing? How can the city centre become desirable again? 

Statement: 
A liveable Riga must use its spaces, rather than leaving them inaccessible in anticipation of a perfect plan. It should prioritise walkability, reduce car dependency and have ample room for communal activities. Permanent and temporary interventions, co-created by all stakeholders, are vital. The municipality's framework should empower both private owners and communities to participate in shaping the city. 

Tools: 
Effective urban planning combines top-down strategies with bottom-up initiatives. Local traffic reorganisation and green space additions are feasible actions. Encouraging rules for landowners and activists can expedite the process of enhancing the urban fabric. 

Ģertrūdes superblock: 
The Void Function toolbox jumpstarts the design process by exploring varied scenarios for empty plots ranging from parks to cultural venues. Ģertrūdes Superblock exemplifies this approach – aiming to leave a big impact by focusing on many smaller interventions around the central Ģertrūdes old church, without disrupting major streets. The size of the project area allows for sensitive implementation of functions, leveraging existing neighbourhood energy.  

Conclusion: 
The city needs to live for it to be lived in. This project aims to build enthusiasm and explore the possible outcomes of acting now. Instead of waiting for monumental changes, let’s try making it more liveable today. Collaboration between the city and landowners is essential in fostering a liveable and diverse city centre. 

Moreover, not all plots need development; spaces for ‘permanent temporarity’ – open spaces in the urban fabric – offer a welcome break from the busy city life. Riga's transformation hinges on collective efforts to create a vibrant, inclusive city centre. 

Graduation date: 12 October 2023
Graduation committee: Herman Zonderland (mentor), Toms Kokins, Viesturs Celmiņš
Additional members for the exam: Iruma Rodriguez, Martin Probst