Scientific Journal of Riga Technical University Architecture and Urban Planning
2010
Volume 4
Space of the Daugava within the Cityscape of Riga Dace Kalvāne, Riga Technical University, Jānis Krastiņš, Riga Technical University Abstract – The article examines the role of the river Daugava in the cityscape of Riga. The space of the Daugava, defined by its aquatorium and the adjacent embankment territories, nowadays physically and psychologically is not perceived as a part of the city forming unified urban environment. The article provides analyses of the international competitions and workshops organized in Riga, where the main issues of workshops were the development of the space of the Daugava and modern urban environment. The conclusions of the project competitions and workshops should be integrated in the Long-term Riga city Development Strategy. Sustainable and harmonious development of the space of the Daugava can be carried out only according to proper planning documents. Keywords – cityscape, waterfront, landscaping, publice space, urban environment.
Fig. 1. The concept for the prospective vision on Mukusalas Street by the Belgian architects office 51N4E, 2006–2007.
The space of the Daugava covers a very large territory in the total cityscape area. Over the centuries the city has developed spreading along the riverbanks. Daugava was mostly used for trade and transport. The growth of the city was based on a hydrological system that determined spatial and social structure of urban environment. The river in the city is not only one of the essential elements of the urban development, it also determines the planning structure and spatial identity of the city. Over the centuries the role of the Daugava in the urban infrastructure of Riga has changed. Already in the 13th century, the merchants of Riga created a bustling trade center in the city connecting seafaring with river navigation using barges for transportation on the Daugava. In the 19th century, as a result of industrialisation, the islands, waterfronts and distributaries of the Daugava were considerably transformed, because on the embankments the port facilities with railway networks were developed, warehouses and industrial objects were built. The Port of Riga became one of the major ports of Russia. At the beginning of the 20th century part of it was still situated right opposite Old Riga along the present 11. novembra krastmala. Both the harbor and the market were eliminated there only in 1930 when the Central Market was found. Accordingly in the centre there was provided a spacious public space. During the World War II the Daugava riverbank was devastated. It was restored in 1949, adjusting it basically for the transport needs as well as for the recreation. The harbor developed more in the lower Daugava, closer to the Bay of Riga. Straightening the riverbanks and developing industrialized sites along the river, there appeared architecturally unappealing and for wider public inaccessible territories. Today Riga is developing on both riverbanks of the Daugava, yet the river itself is as if excluded from the public life of the city. Crossing the river via the existing bridges is causing traffic jams in rush hours. The space of Daugava, defined by its aquatorium and the adjacent riverbanks, physically and psychologically it is not perceived as a part of the city forming
a unified urban environment. Being the basic element of the urban development and spatial composition, the Daugava River can be seen as ‘the river of possibilities’. The space of the Daugava creates broad view perspectives and foreground for the city silhouette. The embankment of the Daugava might provide people with opportunities for recreation and interaction with the waterfront, however, access to water is provided only in some places. The dominant elements of infrastructure – arterial roads and bridge access ramps – prevent access to the embankment. Pedestrian paths and recreation zones are separated from the river by busy traffic. The network of cyclist routes is not developed along the Daugava River. Squares and promenades created through historic development have lost their significance. The urban life has literally turned its back on the Daugava, developing on both banks but without connection to the river. The long-term development strategy for Riga till 2025 [1] envisages that the city will recover the connection to the Daugava and that Riga will have a lively, active waterfront. Therefore the diverse stretches of the riverside from the container port to Old Riga or from the warehouse area to the almost natural environment in the southern part of the city suburbs should be developed thematically, planning sites for tourism, recreation and commerce. A continuous pedestrian and cyclist road along the waterfront beginning from the suburban area and leading to the city centre would be an attractive infrastructure element. The establishment of the Daugava space and highquality modern urban environment as well as the problems of development have been the main questions in several international workshops and competitions organised by the City of Riga: • International Competition of Ideas for Young Architects Europan 7 about the development of the northern part of Ķīpsala (in 2002) and Europan 10 about the future development of Rumbula (in 2009) ; • International Workshop for Architects and Urban Planners “Future Development Visions for Ķīpsala” (in 2003),
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