Project Summary & Design Identity
Located along the canal park in Riga, Latvia, this proposal by Kubota & Bachmann Architects establishes a balanced dialogue between historic preservation and contemporary intervention. The project retains the historic building while replacing an unremarkable canal-side extension and outmoded hall with a slender, compact prism. The resulting dual-volume composition creates a recognizable cultural landmark that integrates seamlessly into Riga’s urban park grid and waterfront landscape.
Located along the canal park in Riga, Latvia, this proposal by Kubota & Bachmann Architects establishes a balanced dialogue between historic preservation and contemporary intervention. The project retains the historic building while replacing an unremarkable canal-side extension and outmoded hall with a slender, compact prism. The resulting dual-volume composition creates a recognizable cultural landmark that integrates seamlessly into Riga’s urban park grid and waterfront landscape.
Spatial & Programmatic Organization
- Barrier-Free Civic Entrance: The half-level access stairs of the historic entrance are removed, aligning the indoor lobby directly with the outdoor plaza grade. The preserved main lobby houses the reception, café, cloakroom, and gift shop under zenithal natural light.
- The New Volume (Tripartite Division):
- Performance & Public Zone (31.7m Width): Contains the main shoe-box auditorium with acoustic chamber adaptation, a top-floor flexible black-box hall with skylighting and blackout blinds, rehearsal suites, a restaurant, and a panoramic public viewing terrace.
- Artist & Administration Strip (9m Width): Dedicated support spaces for performers terminating in an upper-level semi-private belvedere facing the historic city center.
- Technical Spine (6m Width): A vertical circulation core connected directly to the service/artist entrance for efficient movement of instruments, stage equipment, and personnel.
- Canal Landscape & Floating Stage: Public pathways extend the organic park grid across the site. The rear foyer opens directly onto stepped outdoor terraces descending to the canal, accommodating open-air summer festival performances and a temporary floating stage.
Client
Riga City
Program
Main Hall 1 300 seats, Small Hall 350 seats, rehearsal room, Recording studio, Dressing
rooms, Backstage, Administration, Restaurant, Cafe and Underground parking
Partner in charge
Toshihiro KUBOTA
Francisco MARTINEZ
Local architect
Maris Bardins Architect
Riga City
Program
Main Hall 1 300 seats, Small Hall 350 seats, rehearsal room, Recording studio, Dressing
rooms, Backstage, Administration, Restaurant, Cafe and Underground parking
Partner in charge
Toshihiro KUBOTA
Francisco MARTINEZ
Local architect
Maris Bardins Architect