The City of Riga and Daugava coastal region
SENSE IN PLACE IV Riga, Latvia (April 15 May 05 2006)
Borders as Windows/ Robezas
Strategies for developing public space and identities are examined in the urban redevelopment of bordered territories. The physical and symbolic representation of the city, its desires and dreams, will be explored through collaboration with young people.
Due to its geographical location Riga is the main city of Baltic States. The River Daugavmala divides the capital of Latvia Riga in two parts. The current situation of the Riga waterfront cannot be called user friendly and it demonstrates all topical problems of waterfront regeneration. At the area next to the of Old Riga downtown a motorway cuts off access to water. In this context and the present development of the New Riga City Master Plan the regeneration of the waterfront is amongst the cities prime activities. There is great necessity for investigation and improvement of quality of the urban environment at the waterfront.
The project is about bordering and borders in three dimensions. These territories are urban waterfronts and abandoned old port areas.
symbolic and mental dimension borders in the minds of people relationships and interaction city and citizens;
physical and spatial dimension geographical borders in environment, water, architecture and public spaces;
historical dimension time and space.
All three dimensions are permeated by the concept of natural and artificial borders and bordering. We propose for the international art project and education programme an ambivalent and complex space for research located in the central part of Riga its waterfront Daugavmala.
The ambivalent character of urban waterfronts defines these areas as both: closed and open territories. The fact that they can be a bordering zone and a window at the same time is a true challenge.
There are two main activities planned:
art exhibition with participation of residing international artists from collaborating countries;
education programme in collaboration with two classes from children from elementary school and one class from art college working in partnership with schools from Cardiff.
The Exhibitions will open in galleries and outdoor locations from 5th May 2006.
The event in Riga is organized by the Centre for Art Management and Information.
Coastal territory Andrejsala
Old Thermoelectrical Station at Andrejsala
Old Thermoelectrical Station at Andrejsala
Old Thermoelectrical Station at Andrejsala