Sustainable renaissance - Dailes square

Basic information

Project Title

Full project title

Artistic and sustainable renovation of the Square of the Dailes Theatre

Project Description

We create our own environment, and our environment creates us, too.
One cannot imagine modern urban design without sustainable solutions, and these were included in every piece of this project.
From a previously degraded environment the space has changed drastically, and the square now is a new and modern element of Riga’s urban environment, a place to spend an enjoyable time next to Dailes Theatre.

Geographical Scope

Local

Project Region

Riga, Latvia

Urban or rural issues

Mainly urban

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

EU Programme or fund

Yes

Which funds

Other

Other Funds

The project is financed through the funding raised by the Ministry of Culture through national government financing (including the COVID-19 financing aimed at strengthening the economy through investment in construction) and through the Growth and Employment EU Fund operational programme and the fourth project application selection round ‘Preservation and renovation of cultural heritage in the historic centre of Riga and the development of associated infrastructure’ as part of the programme’s specific support goal 5.5.1 ‘Preserve, protect, and develop significant cultural and natural heritage, and develop services associated with it’, ‘Environmental protection and resource use efficiency’ priority field.

Description of the project

Summary

The aim of the project was to preserve, protect, and develop significant cultural heritage based on local government development programs. It also sought to enhance existing functions and offer newly created services at cultural heritage sites. The bold lines of modernism did not necessarily contribute to a safe and inclusive urban environment, as was the case with the Square of the Theatre of Beauty as an architectural masterpiece. The composition of the surrounding environment was challenging to reach and uncomfortable to use. The passage of time had been ruthless, and certain elements of well-being were not just depreciating but also hazardous. The Dailes Theatre Square, conceived as an urban gathering spot within the Theatre Square, respects the original pavement divisions and materials characteristic of the Square. The outdated terraces and steps were leveled and adapted for easy use and free movement. The recreation area bordering Šarlotes Street saw the development of a pleasant microclimate with sufficient greenery. New trees were planted to complement and eventually replace the existing ones. Platforms scattered throughout the square serve as tree beds and comfortable platforms for sitting, lounging, and playing. The gallery under the vestibule activated pedestrian movement on the north-eastern end, reviving the area for routine commuting and transforming it into a striking black carpet before performances, where audience members arrive, meet, and pose for photos. The cost-benefit analysis projected a substantial increase in visitors, reaching 14,338 in 2023. Aligned with the Riga Development Programme 2014-2020, the reconstructed square contributes to the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Centre of Riga."

Key objectives for sustainability

Taking advantage of the site's configuration and topography, a green rainwater infiltration area has been created at the lowest point of the site. Rainwater running off the site passes through layers of soil, effectively filtering the soil. This innovative solution serves a dual purpose by relieving the rainwater drainage system and enhancing the microclimate in the Square's recreation area. The project incorporated an existing rainwater filtration system in the Dailes Theatre Square, with two external gutters allowing rainwater from the roof of the vestibule to fall into boxes of stone rubble. This landscaping solution has been preserved and complemented with appropriate moisture-loving plants. Additionally, a drinking water tap has been installed in the square, providing visitors with a convenient way to quench their thirst. In terms of environmental considerations, lighting on Bruņinieku Street and Šarlotes Street adheres to Green Public Procurement requirements, ensuring environmental sustainability. The project also focused on preserving the principles and materials of theatre architecture to maintain the historic and cultural significance. Historical glazed bricks dismantled from the Square were repurposed as roofing for the former cash house. Existing supporting walls, especially those in critical tree root protection zones, were retained, repaired, and incorporated into the newly built improvements. Original concrete flower boxes were restored and reinstalled in the Square. As part of the landscaping, historic brick paving was dismantled and embedded in a single strip along the entire length of the Square. Granite paving was reused along Brīvības Street, where the volume was sufficient to implement the project's design solutions. Granite slabs and steps were dismantled, stored, and reused for landscaping purposes. A ramp and three stairs were constructed to provide easy access to the hill, utilizing reclaimed granite steps and slabs for the stair treads.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

Design decisions, such as the removal of car parking spaces, the creation of green spaces, and the implementation of pedestrian-friendly features, contribute to the Square's aesthetic appeal, prioritizing the experience of people over vehicular traffic. Platforms and recreation areas featuring Marta Staņa's sketches and references to Dailes Theatre's design principles add artistic and cultural value to the space. The elimination of many former terraces and steps makes the square easier to cross. This has also decreased the congregation of homeless individuals behind the public toilets, a previously popular spot due to minimal human traffic, often resulting in a mess left by homeless people and dog owners. The Square's trees were supervised and protected during construction, with their crowns shaped according to recommendations from experts at SIA "LABIE KOKI." New multi-stem trees were planted between concrete slab pavement strips, providing shade and comfort, ensuring a thermal comfort rating of 4 points. Sparse concrete slab paving, supported on concrete beams, was installed around the trees, offering optimal growing conditions. Greenery was also planted, significantly improving environmental quality to at least 4 points. The public toilet's façade has been treated with an anti-graffiti agent. The redesigned Square has hosted significant public events and cultural parades. Digital screens not only provide practical information about Dailes Theatre events but also serve as a platform to communicate ongoing activities in the Square. The Dailes Theatre Square project serves as an exemplary model demonstrating how urban redevelopment can seamlessly integrate heritage, art, and functionality for the community's benefit.

Key objectives for inclusion

Brīvības Street, spanning from Šarlotes Street to Bruņinieku Street, has been cleared of car parking spaces, enhancing pedestrian safety. The Riga City Local Government plans to replace this area with a future bicycle lane. Dailes Theatre Square now provides 39 bicycle racks accommodating a total of 78 bicycles. On the side facing Bruņinieku Street, 17 car parking spaces were established, including 2 designated for people with disabilities. The Square ensures accessibility for everyone, irrespective of gender, disability, age, or ethnicity. Its surface has been leveled to facilitate unrestricted movement for individuals with various disabilities. The landscaping plan underwent discussions with experts from Apeirons, an organization representing people with disabilities and their friends. Gentle and smooth slopes across the Square meet environmental accessibility standards. The bomb shelter's contour and height have been defined, allowing access via stairs or an 8% slope ramp. Both the stairs and ramp feature a stainless steel handrail on one side, incorporating a built-in light to comply with environmental accessibility requirements. While the pavement slopes are wheelchair-accessible throughout the site, the Šarlotes Street entrance area deviates due to existing topography. Wheelchair users can navigate this region using the pedestrian pavement on Šarlotes Street and Brīvības Street. The pavement design avoids tactile markings, drawing inspiration from the historic pattern of the Square's paving. Clinker strips define the longitudinal direction and act as landmarks. Cut granite paving strips are positioned along the road kerbs. Šarlotes Street's pavement prioritizes pedestrians, enhancing accessibility and minimizing crossfall. The stair design contrasts with the recovered granite steps, contributing to the overall accessibility and aesthetics of Dailes Theatre Square.

Results in relation to category

SJSC "State Real Estate" of Latvia collaborated with the national and Riga municipal governments to successfully renovate Dailes Theatre Square. This collaborative effort strengthened community bonds, increased participation, and improved communication among stakeholders. The Square now features enhanced accessibility and inclusivity through the incorporation of inclusive design features like tactile landmarks, wheelchair-friendly pavements, and universally accessible spaces, facilitating increased mobility and participation for a diverse range of users. The project has made notable strides in environmental sustainability, reducing its impact on the local ecosystem and enhancing the microclimate in the Square's recreation area. Additionally, the adaptive reuse of historical materials and the integration of cultural elements into the design have contributed to the preservation of Dailes Theatre Square's cultural heritage, successfully blending historical significance with modern functionality. This harmonious integration has not only strengthened the cultural identity of the Square but has also enriched the urban environment. The Dailes Theatre Square project has garnered recognition at the national level, receiving prestigious awards in sustainability, construction, and architecture competitions. These accolades include the Latvian Architecture Year Award 2023, as well as the second place in the "Sustainable Territory Improvement" category in the "Sustainability in Architecture, Construction, Design in the Baltic States 2023" competition, among others.

How Citizens benefit

The project successfully revitalized the degraded environment in Riga's historic center, resulting in a significant increase in visitors to Dailes Theatre Square. Anticipated to reach 14,338 by 2023, according to a cost-benefit analysis, the square has become a central gathering point for diverse events, including the teachers' strike, the Critical Mass ride, and the Song and Dance Festival parade concluding at the Square from Bruņinieku Street. Operating as an environmental attraction, the Square operates year-round, offering a free recreational space. Transitioning from its prior degraded state, it now hosts a variety of art activities and cultural events, catering to a diverse audience. The Square prioritizes accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility, incorporating inclusive design elements like tactile landmarks and wheelchair-friendly pavements, thanks to collaboration with accessibility experts from organizations like Apeirons during the square's creation process. The installation of digital screens enhances communication, keeping citizens informed about upcoming events, the Dailes Theatre repertoire, and ongoing Square developments. This comprehensive approach not only elevates the visitor experience but also solidifies the Square's role as a dynamic and accessible cultural hub within the community.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

Innovative character

The project embraced Eduards Smiļģis' motto, the founder of the Dailes Theatre: "Clarity. Simplicity. Passion." Despite the bold shapes of modernism, the initial architectural solution for Dailes Theatre Square created an environment that was neither safe nor inclusive, failing to serve the needs of the people. The surroundings were inaccessible and had deteriorated, with some facilities becoming worn and hazardous. An analysis of the original terrain, terraces, and supporting walls revealed poor environmental accessibility and connections to surrounding streets. The Square felt disconnected from both its environment and the community. The project recognized the need for transformation, considering the evolution of societal values, sustainable urban development principles, and advancements in environmental design materials since the Square's original conception.

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

The Dailes Theatre Square project adopted a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts from various fields and disciplines. Urban designers and planners were instrumental in shaping the layout, circulation patterns, and integration of the Square into the urban fabric. Collaboration with architects, landscape designers, and cultural experts ensured a cohesive design that balanced modern functionality with historical aesthetics. Architects played a central role in preserving the heritage of the Dailes Theatre Square while incorporating modern design elements. Collaboration with heritage preservation experts facilitated the adaptive reuse of historical materials, such as glazed bricks and granite elements. Engineers focused on sustainable solutions, including the creation of a green rainwater infiltration area, implementation of energy-efficient lighting, and environmentally conscious landscaping. Accessibility and inclusive design experts contributed to making the Square universally accessible, addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. This collaborative effort ensured a comprehensive and integrated approach to the design and implementation of the project.

Methodology used

The project faced the challenge of preserving the principles and materials of theatre architecture, along with the inherent modernist spirit of the Square. Simultaneously, it aimed to devise a new strategy for movement and use, ensuring accessibility and user-friendliness. The emphasis was on maintaining the purity of style without compromising the Square's functionality and accessibility.

How stakeholders are engaged

Architects, engineers, and students contributing to the project include Miķelis Putrāms, Linda Krūmiņa, Mārtiņš Vaskis, Liena Šiliņa, Māra Starka, and Krists Lūkins from Limited Liability Company (SIA) “MADE arhitekti,” in collaboration with urbanist Evelīna Ozola and graphic designer Edgars Zvirgzdiņš. The principal contractor for the project was Limited Liability Company (SIA) “KVINTA BCL,” and the commissioning party was State Joint Stock Company (VAS) “Valsts nekustamie īpašumi.” In addition to these professionals, local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community organizations, actively participated in public consultations, offering insights into the local context and preferences. Regional authorities, planning agencies, and neighboring communities were consulted to ensure coherence with regional development plans. Community organizations, such as Apeirons, representing people with disabilities, played an active role in the project's design discussions.

Global challenges

The Dailes Theatre Square project presents locally applicable solutions to global challenges. Its innovative approaches to inclusivity, cultural heritage preservation, sustainable development, community engagement, and environmental resilience offer valuable insights that can inspire urban initiatives worldwide, contributing to the creation of more livable, sustainable, and inclusive cities. In addressing challenges related to accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities and diverse needs, the project's focus on inclusive design provides a local solution with global applicability. The principles of inclusive design showcased in the Square can serve as a blueprint for creating urban spaces that accommodate the diverse requirements of community members globally. The project also addresses the threat of cultural heritage loss due to rapid urbanization by successfully integrating modern functionality with the preservation of historical elements. This dual approach offers a viable solution for other urban areas worldwide struggling to balance development with heritage conservation. Furthermore, the emphasis on community engagement and cultural events in Dailes Theatre Square provides a local solution to the global issue of fostering a sense of community in urban areas. By strengthening social bonds through cultural activities, the project showcases a model that can be adapted and implemented in diverse urban settings worldwide.

Learning transferred to other parties

The inclusive design principles, encompassing features like tactile landmarks, wheelchair-friendly pavements, and universally accessible elements, offer a replicable model for urban settings not only in Latvia but worldwide. By prioritizing inclusivity, such designs can enhance public spaces, catering to diverse needs and ensuring equal access on a global scale. The strategy of preserving and repurposing historical materials, demonstrated in this project, provides a valuable blueprint for other urban revitalization endeavors. Communities with historical sites or structures can adopt this approach to retain cultural heritage while embracing contemporary functionality. The concept of creating a green rainwater infiltration area, capitalizing on topography for sustainable drainage, serves as an innovative solution that can be replicated in areas facing similar environmental challenges globally. Urban projects dealing with stormwater management issues can benefit from this approach for enhanced sustainability. The harmonious blend of heritage preservation with modern functionality, showcased in this project, offers insights for replication in contexts where historical sites coexist with contemporary needs. Communities with historical landmarks can draw inspiration from this model to create spaces that honor heritage while meeting the practical demands of modern urban living.