URBAN STREAMS
Union of Baltic Cities
Commission of Urban Planning & Commission of Environment
RIGA | September 14th-17th
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Welcome to Riga
Honoured guests of Riga!
Dear UBC seminar participants!
Welcome to the capital of Latvia and the European
Capital of Culture 2014!
Riga has been a member of the Union of the Baltic
Cities since 1991 and we are pleased that we have the
honour to organise the UBC seminar for the third time
already.
I believe that this seminar is an effective means
to encourage cooperation between the Baltic Sea
countries, exchange experience, promote unity and
shared understanding across the region.
We are also happy that the seminar is taking place at a
time when Riga is celebrating its title as the European
Capital of Culture and I hope that in your spare time
you will have the chance to enjoy the wide variety of
cultural events and explore Riga, the city of inspiration.
We are happy that this UBC seminar is taking place at
a time when are shaping the new Territorial Plan for
Riga. Our aim is to achieve a balanced and sustainable
development that rests on international cooperation
and professional experience exchange.
The theme of this seminar – Urban Streams – plays
an important role not only in the context of our city but
also in the wider scale of the Baltic Sea Region.
With the rising concern over climate change, cities
need to pay closer attention to solutions that can
ensure sustainable adaption to changes to come.
I hope that this seminar becomes a step closer to
these solutions and their effective implementation.
Nils Usakovs
Chairman of the Riga City Council
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Table of contents
Dzintars Balodis
Director of Riga City Council
City Development Department
Welcome to Riga
2
Table of contents
3
Theme of the seminar
4
The speakers
5
Program
6-7
About Riga
8-9
Workshop territories
10-11
S – Kīleveina Channel
12-13
M – Zunda Channel
14-15
L – Islands
16-17
Practical information
18
Facilitators
19
3
Theme of the seminar
The speakers
Robin Crompton
Senior Lecturer in Planning and Urban Design
Department of Planning & Transport, Faculty of Architecture and
the Built Environment, University of Westminster in London
Water has always been associated with life. And historically water objects – rivers and lakes – have been essential
for emergence and life of the cities. In the early days of human settlements water served as a resource for food and
water. With the development of civilization, lakes and rivers became widely used for defence, trade and industry
purposes. The water has shaped the way cities look today yet the relationship between the city and the water has
always been complicated. Water bodies have been admired for their beauty but at the same time they instil fear for
the natural power that they have.
Hannamaria Yliruusi
M. Sc. in Environmental Management and Policy, Project Manager
at UBC Commission on Environment dealing with development
projects that concern water quality and water management
Anita Zariņa
Dr. Geogr., Assistent professor at University of Latvija,
Department of Geography, researcher in landscape planning
and cultural geography
Water has played an important role in Riga’s development as well. River Daugava has been key to the city’s initial
growth and over time it has come to be known as a true national symbol.
Agrita Briede
Dr. Geogr., Professor at University of Latvia, Department of
Geography, research climate variability, extremes and climate
change.
However, over the years the riverbanks gradually sunk into oblivion. With the advance of the industry, the
waterfronts were increasingly taken over by factories and heavy machinery. To support the growth of the industry,
new roads were built and the riverbanks were cut off from the residential areas. Different forms of water transport
that used to operate within the city slowly disappeared but the water bodies were still being polluted by the heavy
industry and an inadequate sewage infrastructure.
Māra Liepa-Zemeša
Dr. Arch., Territorial planner at Riga city Council City
Development Department
Yet the trends are shifting. Climate change – heavier rainfalls and more frequent floods - have raised the question
about the need to adapt to climate change rather than to fight it and have fuelled discussion on how to deal with rain
and storm water in urban environment. This trend is coupled with growing demand for good quality public space,
wider and more diverse water body use.
To what extent can the natural water cycle be restored in an urban environment? How to develop urban space
along the water bodies? And who are the ones that need to be involved in the planning process?
Questions like these are being asked in many towns and cities. Therefore in this seminar we would like to address
all these aspects of city-water relationship and let you find the answers to questions by working on specific territories
in Riga.
During three days of seminar you will have a chance to live with the water, work, discuss and offer sollutions for
Riga. But remember ancient legend: „Every hundred years, a spirit rises from Daugava River and asks the first person
it meets whether Riga is complete. If the person answers that Riga is complete, the city would sink into water. Since
all Riga residents know this tale, they always tell the spirit that Riga is not yet complete, which is why Riga exists to
this every day.”
BE A PART OF NEVER – ENDING CREATION OF A CITY!
BE A PART OF RIGA!
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Lauma Līdaka
Mgr. Arch., Territorial planner at Riga city Council City
Development Department
EXCURSIONS
Jānis Lejnieks
Armands Rabovičs
Ieva Kalnača
Jānis Ķīnasts
Dr. Arch., Editor of magazine
“Latvijas Architektūra”
Art historian, Art Academy of Latvia.
Working at Latvian National Museum
of Art and as a tour guide
Deputy Head of Project Division, Riga City
Council City Development Department
Freelancing urban planner.
Project manager assistant at
“(D)rain for Life”
EXAMPLES FROM DIFFERENT CITIES
Ilze Rukšāne
Katarzyna Wiśniewska
Andris Ločmanis
Barbara Jackson
Jānis Ķīnasts
Per Arne Nielsen
Mgr. in Spatial Planning,
landscape architect, urbanist
at apdALPS
Mgr. Geogr., Urban planner
at Riga City Council City
Development Department
Freelancing urban planner.
Project manager assistant at
“(D)rain for Life”
Head of the Department of Urban Planning
and Architecture at Municipal Office in
Elbląg, Poland
Programme Director for Zennström
Philanthropies’ Baltic Sea initiative,
Race For The Baltic
Head of Urban development
and Climate, City of Malmö
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Program
Sunday, 14th September
Location: Restaurant “Ostas skati”, Matrožu iela 15, Rīga
18:30 Meeting at hotel “Islande” lobby
18:35 Guided tour around Ķīpsala (by foot)
19:30 Dinner at restaurant “Ostas skati”
Monday, 15th September
Location: Riga Technical University, Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning
8:00 Registration
8:30 Opening
9:00 Riga story
by Lauma Līdaka
9:15 The new planning documents of Riga – opportunities and challanges
by Māra Liepa-Zemeša
9:30 Climate change in Riga
by Agrita Briede
10:30 Coffee break
10:45 Lecture “It´s raining again - tools for storm water and flood
management for cities”
by Hannamaria Yliruusi
11:45 Introduction to project territories
by Lauma Līdaka
12:00 Lunch
13:30 Lecture “Regeneration and waterfront development in London – from
mega-projects to community-based schemes.”
by Robin Crompton
14:30 Guided tour in workshop areas - by bus, by bikes, by boat according to
workshop territory (Hey! Grab a comfortable shoes and jacket)
16:30 First impressions – meeting in groups at workshop premises (coffee
break included)
17:30 Free time
18:30 Meeting at hotel “Islande” lobby (bus to “Spīķeri”)
18:50 Guided tour - renovation of historical quarter and promenade “Spīķeri”
19:30 Dinner at restaurant “Dārzs”
21:30 Bus to the hotel “Islande”
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Tuesday, 16th September
Location: Riga Technical University, Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning
8:30 Lecture “European Landscape convention - approach for Riga”
by Anita Zariņa
9:30 Workshop (coffee break included)
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Environment session :
✓ “Race For the Baltic – Supporting Modern Sustainable Development in Cities”
by Barbara Jackson
✓Recent developments in the world of SUMPs – greetings from the
CIVITAS DYN@MO & CH4LLENGE projects”
by Maija Rusanen and Esther Kreutz
✓General issues and UBC Sustainability Action Programme
14:00 Examples from different cities :
✓Reanimation and Remediation of Sarkandaugava River
by Ilze Rukšāne
✓ (D)Rain For Life – Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
by Jānis Ķīnasts
✓Caleidoscope of Riga waterspace
by Andris Ločmanis
✓How Elbląg is changing – first effect of the UBC seminar
by Katarzyna Wiśniewska
✓Experience from Malmo
by Per-Arne Nielsen
15:00 Workshop continues (coffee break included)
17:00 Free time
17:45 Meeting at hotel “Islande” lobby and departure to pier
18:00 Departure to Old Riga (by boat)
18:30 Guided tour in Old Riga (by foot)
19:15 Dinner at restaurant “Neiburgs”
............ Enjoy autumn spirit by crossing river Daugava by foot
Wednesday, 17th September
Location: Riga Technical University, Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning
8:30 Workshop – final touch
9:30 Group presentations (open for public)
11:30 Conclusion and summary
11:45 Invitation to the next UBC seminar in Gdansk
12:00 Lunch
13:00-17:00 Planning workshop for the UBC Sustainability Action Programme
2016 – 2025 (coffee break included)
For the timetable please see the seperate page
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Iceland
About Riga
Riga is the Capital of the Republic of Latvia and the geographic centre of the Baltic region
countries. Riga is located in the central part of Latvia on the south coast of the Gulf of Riga.
The city was founded in 1201. Its strategic geographic location has contributed to Riga
becoming the centre of the economic life of the Baltic region countries since the times
of the Hanseatic League, the association bringing together the German cities engaged in
trading with the North Sea and the Baltic Region countries.
Riga covers only 0,5% of the territory of Latvia but it concentrates more than 1/3rd of
countries population and therefore most of the economic and cultural activities of Latvia as
well. With it`s almost 700 000 inhabitants it is not only the largest city of Latvia but as well
the 3rd largest city around the Baltic Sea.
Riga`s urban environment and architecture, as well as the accessibility of its natural
resources – the Daugava River, greenery and nature areas – are the prerequisites for
quality of life and are added value in any aspect of city life.
Sweden
Finland
Norwai
Russia
Estonia
RIGA
Denmark
Ireland
Lithuania
United
Kingdom
Belarus
Netherlands
Belgium
FACTS & FIGURES
Founded: in year 1201
Area: 304 km2
Inhabitants: 643 620
Water proportion: 17%
Total waterfront lenght: 411km
Poland
Germany
Luxembourg
Ukraine
Czech Republic
Slovakia
France
Switzerland
Liecht.
Moldova
Austria
Hungary
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Slovenia
Croatia
Romania
Workshop territories
Freeport of Riga
MEDIUM
Reveal the diversity of this waterfront, think
about access and functionality…
ZUNDA CHANNEL
City Centre
Seminar location
Hotel
Old Riga
DIFFERENT SCALES – DIFFERENT CHALLANGES
With the previous UBC seminar in mind, this year we have
selected the same territory that was analysed last time in order
to ensure planning continuity.
All three territories have played an important role throughout
the city’s history and are centrally located in urban structure of
Riga. Zunda and Kileveina Channels are located on the left bank
the River Daugava while the islands can be found right opposite
the city centre and the most historical part of Riga – The Old Town.
These territories have evolved over time as a result of the
changing flow of the River Daugava that in turn has been affected
by natural processes and human activity. Water is definitely one
of the defining features when one is to consider the development
opportunities for these chosen locations.
Each of the selected territories offers a different challenge due
to its size, location or historical background so feel free to choose
the one that suits you the best.
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SMALL
Spīķeri Quarter
KĪLEVEINA CHANNEL
Small is beautiful but it must be discovered,
polished and allowed to shine. Think about
design and details.
LARGE
There is nothing more complicated than
designing a greenfield site. Think strategically
and wisely, give your advice!
ISLANDS
National
Library of
Latvia
Railroad
bridge
S
S
University of
Latvia new
campus
Mūkusala
bussines
centre
Former family
gardens
Housing
Poorly used
industrial
areas
KĪLEVEINA CHANNEL
Kileveina Channel runs parallel to Biekengravis and flows into
the River Daugava right next to the Railway Bridge. This channel
collects surface and rain water from neighbouring territories that
since Soviet times has served industrial purposes and is therefore
heavily polluted and overgrown. Despite its current condition, it
has a real potential to become an appealing recreational spot as
territories around it are changing.
Trolleybus
depot
Former industrial areas are now slowly turning into office clusters. On the left bank of channel the building process of new campuss for University of Latvia has startet, on the Northern part this
year has been finished the building of National Library of Latvia.
For people who work, live and in future will study study in the
area Kīleveina channel can serve as a place where to stop and rest
for a moment in daily run. In addition, it can also be turned into a
unique example of a sustainable rain water management system.
Shopping mall
Historical
housing
Warehouses
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Closed port
activities
M
M
ZUNDA CHANNEL
Zunda Channel is one of the River Daugava’s branching rivers
that separates the island Kipsala from a major part of Riga called
Pardaugava. In the old days Zunda used to be a wharf perfect
for barges due to its sheltered location and slow river flow. The
islanders were known to be fisherman, seamen, pilots, ferryman
and other tradesmen whose occupation relied on the vicinity of
the River Daugava and the Baltic Sea.
Today Zunda Channel gives a fascinating insight into the
different times that it has seen. There are old fisherman huts next
to abandoned factories, a small university community opposite
a large supermarket, an impressive expo hall right across from
vacant land waiting to be developed etc. Furthermore, the
Southern tip of Kipsala has been cut off from the rest the island
by the Vansu Bridge and is gradually being turned into a high rise
district.
All in all, there is a lot of contrast between the “new” and the
“old” architecture on the banks of Zunda Channel where luxurious
houses rub shoulders with derelict wooden huts and neglected
plots of land. But what pains Riga the most is that over the years
this valuable channel has sunk into oblivion and its potential to
offer a unique public space has not been achieved.
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Historical
housing
Women`s
prison
Former
industrial
area
Historical
housing
Exhibition
centre
School of
media and
architecture
Restored
wooden
houses
Riga Technical
university
Campuss
New
development
Planned
highrises
LL
Television of
Latvia office
ISLANDS
“A fairy tale right in the heart of Riga…” Those were the words
of one of the most beloved Latvian poet upon discovering the
island Lucavsala.
The city islands have remained relatively intact despite
the rapid urban development on the both sides of the River
Daugava. Largely this has been due to their inaccessibility, lack
of infrastructure and complicated geomorphological conditions.
That in turn has resulted in a somewhat peculiar landscape –
the island Lucavsala is covered in urban allotments while the
island Zakusala hosts various television buildings, its roads are
popular with people who are learning to drive and the forested
area is sometimes used for military training. Due to their limited
functionality, the islands have not been used by many people
which is why they have been able to preserve that very special
and unspoilt charm.
Lately, however, the islands have started to experience some
change. There is a new public park on the island Lucavsala and
a spacious promenade facing it on the right side of the River
Daugava. Furthermore, the city is planning to build another
promenade on the left bank of the River Daugava that will offer a
better access to the island from both sides. Ultimately the island
Lucavsala will be connected to other recreational zones allowing
for a wider and more varied use of the island.
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Lucavsala
public park
Salu (islands)
bridge
Rowing
school
Television
tower
Building
material store
Family
gardens
Practical information
If you have any questions, please contact us:
Lauma Līdaka | Territorial planner –
[email protected] /+371 67105471
Māra Liepa-Zemeša | Territorial planner –
[email protected] /+371 67012926
Elīna Pētersone | Society involvement expert
[email protected] /+371 67105956
Facilitators
Lauma Līdaka
Māra Liepa-Zemeša
Territorial planner
[email protected]
Territorial planner
[email protected]
Seminar location
The seminar will be held in Riga Technical university Faculty
of Architecture and Urban planning
Āzenes iela 18, Riga, LV-1048
Hotel
For those of you staying in hotel Islande
here is the contact information:
Islande hotel Riga
Kipsalas street 20,
Riga, LV-1048
http://www.islandehotel.lv
Telephone: +371 67 608 000
Transportation in Riga from Airport
Taxi – The taxi can be found outside departure terminals. Use red or green ones. The price to the Old Town and the
Center should be no more than 10 – 15 EUR. The journey takes up to 20 – 40 minutes depending on traffic.
✓ Red Cab (red ones) if you can’t find any free one in front of the Airport, call 8383.
✓ Airbaltic Taxi (green ones) if you can’t find any free one in front of the Airport, call 8500.
Airbaltic minibus “Airport express” shuttle – Buses depart every 30 minutes. The bus serves the route between
Riga Airport and Riga city center with following stops:
Riga Airport – Hotel ABC (Zolitudes str.) – Islande Hotel (Kipsalas str.) – Maritim Park Hotel Riga (Slokas str.) e.t.c.
The price for a ride is EUR 5. Payments are accepted in cash only.
More information – https://www.airbaltic.com/to-from-riga-airport
Elīna Pētersone
Society involvement expert
[email protected]
Egons Bērziņš
Ljeta Putāne
Assistant professor
at Riga Technical University
[email protected]
Territorial planner
[email protected]
Aigars Kušķis
Andris Ločmanis
Territorial planner
[email protected]
Spatial planner
[email protected]
Madara Gibze
Guntars Ruskuls
Territorial planner
[email protected]
Spatial planner
[email protected]
Islande hotel offer – Islande hotel transfer (up to 8 persons) – 17.50 EUR/per drive
Climate
The weather is typically mild at the begining of September. Temperature is around 13-15 Co. You must be prepared
for sudden rain so grab both – sunglasses and an umbrella. Please take shoes and clothing that are suitable,
especially for Monday when the tours to the workshop territories will take place.
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Restaurant
“Ostas skati”
Faculty of
Architecture &
Urban planning
Hotel “Islande”
20
Public transport stop
(to Centre and Old
Town)
Public transport stop
(from Centre and Old
Town)