Scientific Journal of Riga Technical University Architecture and Urban Planning
Dace Kalvāne, Jānis Krastiņš. Space of the Daugava within the Cityscape of Riga
2010
Volume 4
Fig. 3. Danich architects office PLOT proposal to dive the traffic into the underwater tunnel along the 11. novembra krastmala from the railway bridge to Vanšu bridge (2006).
• to develop the Daugava waterfront promenade, creating appealing scenery with improved recreational functions (Figure2); • to extend the cyclist roads and create a promenade in the direction of Old Riga; • to build jetties, boat rentals and comfortable swimming places; • to install all necessary lighting for the promenade and waterfront. The purpose of the international workshop for architects and urban planners “Improvement of the Daugava Waterfront in the Stretch from Railway Bridge to Salu Bridge” [6] was to achieve the program for active and attractive urban environment development in the area, optimising traffic intensity, creating waterfront promenades with cycling routs, as well as arranging angling sites and establishing new functions on the waterfront, like, water transport that provides new connections with other districts and sport activities and recreation. The seminar participants suggested to find solutions for the public open space, creating infrastructure and adapting it to the city needs, restoring the traffic in the canal connecting the city waterfront in the historic centre with the active Spikeri waterfront which provides cultural and entertaining activities. In addition it was proposed to divide the waterfront into active and quiet areas, linking the street level with the embankment by means of stairs and ramps. It was noted at the international workshop Development Visions for the Daugava Waterfront [7] that it was one of the most important public open spaces in the centre of Riga. Today the Daugava waterfront that used to be a meeting place and a link with the river, due to intensive traffic along 11. novembra krastmala (street) and Krasta Street, has become almost inaccessible. The streets disarranged after World War II are crammed with vehicles restricting the movement of pedestrians and disabled people, leaving no place for public activities. The workshop participants recommended for the 11. novembra krastmala: • to reduce the intensive traffic flow along the embankment by embedding the underwater carriageway along the riverbank (Figure 3); • to create a new bridge running parallel to the railway bridge in order to relieve the city centre from traffic;
Fig. 4. Danish architects office PLOT vision for the public space arrangement on the 11. novembra krastmala (2006).
• to close Krasta iela and 11. novembra krastmala for the transit traffic; • to raise up the railway on overpasses, thus functionally and optically connecting 11. novembra krastmala with the waterfront at Spīķeri area; • to provide water transport and recreation functions on and at the water (Figure 4); • to develop the city beach. Analysis of the competition and workshop materials confirms that the public space is not only connected to the political, social, economic and historic urban environment, it could be as some kind of accelerator for the changes in development of unused or forgotten waterfront. The rise in cultural activity contributes directly to the growth of public awareness of social and cultural heritage. Thus, it leads to a conclusion that public space is bound not only to political, social, economic and historical environment of a particular society, but its role can change on a city level or macro scale, or on a local level or micro scale. Macro level is defined 75