Āgenskalna market
Basic information
Project Title
Āgenskalna market
Full project title
Āgenskalna market
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
Āgenskalns Market is situated at the heart of the historical Āgenskalns neighborhood in Riga. This market, a pioneering initiative in Latvia, represents a unique and compelling case study wherein a municipally-owned historical market has been rejuvenated through the dedicated efforts of a small private enterprise. The transformation of this market space exemplifies its evolution into a multifunctional neighborhood hub, characterized by its engagement with the local community.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Riga and Pieriga, Latvia
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Horizon2020 / Horizon Europe
Description of the project
Summary
The revitalization of the Āgenskalns market embodies a compelling example of an initiative by a social enterprise that transforms abandoned cultural heritage to foster a profound sense of belonging, co-creation, and inclusivity. Open since 1898, the market is owned by the municipality and holds the status of being a regional monument of culture. In 2018, the market faced closure due to its deteriorated and dilapidated state. A team from one of the most vibrant urban spaces in Riga (Kalnciema Quarter) took the private initiative to revitalize the market with its own resources and re-opened it in 2022.
Aim and objectives: by renovating 19th century market space, celebrating local heritage and contemporary and artistic expressions, the project aims to revitalize the heart of the neighborhood, promote well-being, and cultural enrichment, and create a stronger community bond through inclusive public space.
Target groups: Āgenskalns market involves a wide array of neighborhood and city residents, striving to be open and inviting to diverse groups. This demographic includes the local neighborhood community, families with children, young people, adults of working age, seniors, and various interest and socially vulnerable groups, ensuring comprehensive representation.
Achieved outcomes: successfully renovated market space, preserving historical tradition in a contemporary form, and engaging over 400k participants annually, the project prioritizes community involvement, allowing residents to actively contribute to decision-making during the revitalization. Hosting more than 200 free cultural events yearly, the initiative promotes cultural and sustainability awareness while embracing a co-creative approach that fosters community unity and shared responsibility. The market supports more than 500 local producers and entrepreneurs, currently providing jobs for over 300 individuals, fostering local and slow tourism, and ensuring the long-term continuity of the market.
Aim and objectives: by renovating 19th century market space, celebrating local heritage and contemporary and artistic expressions, the project aims to revitalize the heart of the neighborhood, promote well-being, and cultural enrichment, and create a stronger community bond through inclusive public space.
Target groups: Āgenskalns market involves a wide array of neighborhood and city residents, striving to be open and inviting to diverse groups. This demographic includes the local neighborhood community, families with children, young people, adults of working age, seniors, and various interest and socially vulnerable groups, ensuring comprehensive representation.
Achieved outcomes: successfully renovated market space, preserving historical tradition in a contemporary form, and engaging over 400k participants annually, the project prioritizes community involvement, allowing residents to actively contribute to decision-making during the revitalization. Hosting more than 200 free cultural events yearly, the initiative promotes cultural and sustainability awareness while embracing a co-creative approach that fosters community unity and shared responsibility. The market supports more than 500 local producers and entrepreneurs, currently providing jobs for over 300 individuals, fostering local and slow tourism, and ensuring the long-term continuity of the market.
Key objectives for sustainability
Āgenskalns market's commitment to sustainability is not limited to rhetoric but is deeply ingrained in its practice, starting from the decision to take on this immense challenge to tangible actions, emphasizing historical preservation, reuse, recycling, and community involvement in the revitalization process.
- Preservation and circular economy: the team aimed to preserve historical details and repurpose existing materials that embody the value and story of the space, and only disposed of elements that completely degraded the environment. The team actively engaged in the reuse and restoration, for instance, building components from the previous market and other spaces (windows, doors, forges, constructions etc.), and the world of objects (work tables, scales, chandeliers, coats of arms, boxes for community garden, greenhouse etc.); the team discovered and uncovered a portion of the historic pavement beneath the asphalt that the municipality did not know existed.
- Promotion of sustainable initiatives: the market serves as a platform to promote various sustainability initiatives. These include a free-packaging point for reducing waste, book-exchange, and plant-exchange points that encourage resource sharing and waste reduction. The project hosts over 100 free events annually aimed at educating the community on sustainable practices from reducing food waste to repairing and repurposing items.
- Participatory practices: the active engagement of the local community in decision-making and the co-creation of the environment is a testament to sustainability. It fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among residents, encouraging them to actively engage in shaping their community and making environmentally conscious choices.
- Sustainability and ongoing development: the project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and continuous development, adapting to the evolving needs of the people over time.
- Preservation and circular economy: the team aimed to preserve historical details and repurpose existing materials that embody the value and story of the space, and only disposed of elements that completely degraded the environment. The team actively engaged in the reuse and restoration, for instance, building components from the previous market and other spaces (windows, doors, forges, constructions etc.), and the world of objects (work tables, scales, chandeliers, coats of arms, boxes for community garden, greenhouse etc.); the team discovered and uncovered a portion of the historic pavement beneath the asphalt that the municipality did not know existed.
- Promotion of sustainable initiatives: the market serves as a platform to promote various sustainability initiatives. These include a free-packaging point for reducing waste, book-exchange, and plant-exchange points that encourage resource sharing and waste reduction. The project hosts over 100 free events annually aimed at educating the community on sustainable practices from reducing food waste to repairing and repurposing items.
- Participatory practices: the active engagement of the local community in decision-making and the co-creation of the environment is a testament to sustainability. It fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among residents, encouraging them to actively engage in shaping their community and making environmentally conscious choices.
- Sustainability and ongoing development: the project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and continuous development, adapting to the evolving needs of the people over time.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
- Conservation of traditions: the project maintains the architectural and cultural elements that define the market's character and charm. The careful preservation of these traditions ensures a deep connection with the neighborhood's past, and fosters a sense of common identity and continuity.
- Creating versatile spaces: the transformation of the market space is designed to enhance people's well-being - through thoughtful design and repurposing of spaces, the project caters to various needs, whether it's a space for socializing with friends and family in the historical pavilion, a quiet corner in the greenhouse for solitary activities, or spaces for co-creating cultural practices with neighbours in the courtyard and community garden. These diverse spaces ensure that everyone can find their own place of belonging within the market. The very unique aspect of the project is the provision of a large, inclusive gathering space under the roof on the second floor of Āgenskalns market throughout the year, previously lacking in Riga and representing a departure from the Soviet past when such spaces were degraded.
- Promoting cultural and social revitalization: physical transformation, cultural events and co-creation activities have breathed new life into the space. These initiatives have revitalized the cultural and social fabric of the community, transforming the market into a hub of exchange, learning, and collaboration through workshops, concerts, community theater, exhibitions, readings, guided tours, thematic markets, etc. cultural activities.
- Adapting to contemporary dynamics: the aim was to create a flexible and adaptable environment that aligns with the essence and relevance of the market. The deliberate design and large open space allows the market to evolve with changing needs and embodies the market's commitment to serving the community.
- Creating versatile spaces: the transformation of the market space is designed to enhance people's well-being - through thoughtful design and repurposing of spaces, the project caters to various needs, whether it's a space for socializing with friends and family in the historical pavilion, a quiet corner in the greenhouse for solitary activities, or spaces for co-creating cultural practices with neighbours in the courtyard and community garden. These diverse spaces ensure that everyone can find their own place of belonging within the market. The very unique aspect of the project is the provision of a large, inclusive gathering space under the roof on the second floor of Āgenskalns market throughout the year, previously lacking in Riga and representing a departure from the Soviet past when such spaces were degraded.
- Promoting cultural and social revitalization: physical transformation, cultural events and co-creation activities have breathed new life into the space. These initiatives have revitalized the cultural and social fabric of the community, transforming the market into a hub of exchange, learning, and collaboration through workshops, concerts, community theater, exhibitions, readings, guided tours, thematic markets, etc. cultural activities.
- Adapting to contemporary dynamics: the aim was to create a flexible and adaptable environment that aligns with the essence and relevance of the market. The deliberate design and large open space allows the market to evolve with changing needs and embodies the market's commitment to serving the community.
Key objectives for inclusion
- This project is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. This is achieved through physical adaptations, such as ramps, elevator and improved infrastructure that has never existed before at the market, to ensure that people can easily navigate the space. It has also considered sensory inclusivity like thoughtful soundscape, creating an environment that caters to different needs.
- Āgenskalns market is open to the public without entry fees throughout the whole year. The project aims to provide affordable and diverse products and services, from local food to cultural experiences. This affordability extends to a wide range of traders to participate and cultural programs for various interests.
- The project actively involves the local community in the decision-making process. From the initial stages of conceptualization to the ongoing development of the market, residents and stakeholders have had a voice in shaping the space and its cultural life. This inclusive approach ensures that the market serves the community's interests and reflects their values.
- By understanding the spirit of the neighborhood and its people, the project team has integrated “design for all” principles, considering the needs and experiences of diverse social groups. This includes making the physical space accessible to people of all ages and abilities and fostering an environment where people from different backgrounds and interests can come together and at the same time have individual experience at the market. For instance, this fall the team has gathered community stories and memories about the market and created printed editions, and developed an interactive game for families with children to discover the space, ensuring different experiences and belonging to the market.
- Āgenskalns market is open to the public without entry fees throughout the whole year. The project aims to provide affordable and diverse products and services, from local food to cultural experiences. This affordability extends to a wide range of traders to participate and cultural programs for various interests.
- The project actively involves the local community in the decision-making process. From the initial stages of conceptualization to the ongoing development of the market, residents and stakeholders have had a voice in shaping the space and its cultural life. This inclusive approach ensures that the market serves the community's interests and reflects their values.
- By understanding the spirit of the neighborhood and its people, the project team has integrated “design for all” principles, considering the needs and experiences of diverse social groups. This includes making the physical space accessible to people of all ages and abilities and fostering an environment where people from different backgrounds and interests can come together and at the same time have individual experience at the market. For instance, this fall the team has gathered community stories and memories about the market and created printed editions, and developed an interactive game for families with children to discover the space, ensuring different experiences and belonging to the market.
Results in relation to category
1. After 4 years of renovation a historical market space was successfully reopened in 2022 while preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage and contemporary functionality. The project was nominated for national “Architecture Prize 2022” in the category “Heritage”.
2. The project has engaged over 400k participants in a year. It has created an inclusive space where residents participate in decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.
3. Market space hosts over 200 free cultural events and initiatives a year. These events celebrate local and national culture, heritage, and artistic expressions, contributing to cultural enrichment and awareness. Āgenskalns market won the national prize "Kilogram of Culture 2022" and a prize by Riga municipality for contribution to the cultural enrichment of the city “White Sparrow 2023”.
4. Co-creative approach has fostered a sense of community and it serves as a model of community-driven revitalization with cultural and educational programs and various residents’ initiatives.
5. The project provides an open community hub that offers spaces for more than 500 local producers and entrepreneurs, local artists, organizations, and neighborhood residents to showcase their initiatives.
6. The project has generated more than 300 regular and direct employment (including refugees), benefiting the local community and contributing to economic development.
7. The project serves as an innovative example of social entrepreneurship that also gives space and special offers to social entrepreneurs, making a valuable contribution to the development and recognition of social entrepreneurship as a field.
8. The revitalized market has become a focal point for local and slow tourism. Historically it has emerged as the largest market on this coast, currently offering a vibrant alternative to the city center's cultural and commercial facilities.
9. Ensuring sustainability and ongoing development of the project in the future.
2. The project has engaged over 400k participants in a year. It has created an inclusive space where residents participate in decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.
3. Market space hosts over 200 free cultural events and initiatives a year. These events celebrate local and national culture, heritage, and artistic expressions, contributing to cultural enrichment and awareness. Āgenskalns market won the national prize "Kilogram of Culture 2022" and a prize by Riga municipality for contribution to the cultural enrichment of the city “White Sparrow 2023”.
4. Co-creative approach has fostered a sense of community and it serves as a model of community-driven revitalization with cultural and educational programs and various residents’ initiatives.
5. The project provides an open community hub that offers spaces for more than 500 local producers and entrepreneurs, local artists, organizations, and neighborhood residents to showcase their initiatives.
6. The project has generated more than 300 regular and direct employment (including refugees), benefiting the local community and contributing to economic development.
7. The project serves as an innovative example of social entrepreneurship that also gives space and special offers to social entrepreneurs, making a valuable contribution to the development and recognition of social entrepreneurship as a field.
8. The revitalized market has become a focal point for local and slow tourism. Historically it has emerged as the largest market on this coast, currently offering a vibrant alternative to the city center's cultural and commercial facilities.
9. Ensuring sustainability and ongoing development of the project in the future.
How Citizens benefit
The involvement of citizens and civil society has been integral to the success of the Āgenskalns market project. The engagement of the local community has not only shaped the project but has also contributed significantly to its impact and sustainability.
- Citizens have actively participated in decision-making processes related to the revitalization of Āgenskalns market. Their inputs and preferences were sought at various stages, from envisioning the future of the market to participating in cultural and physical improvement of the space. This participatory approach empowered citizens to have a say in the development of their neighborhood.
- The project embraced a co-creative approach, involving citizens in shaping various spaces within the market. This includes the co-creation kitchen, courtyard, community garden, and cultural program. Citizens actively engage in suggesting ideas, providing feedback, and collaborating with the project team to shape these spaces according to their needs and aspirations. For instance, citizens were involved in a municipality-announced project competition for neighborhood ideas, resulting in the transformation of the front yard of Āgenskalns market. This collaborative decision-making process empowers citizens to contribute to shaping the public spaces they use. This multifaceted involvement ensures that the project is not only responsive to community needs but also reflective of the diverse interests within the neighborhood.
- By actively inviting citizens in revitalization efforts, the team aims to create a stronger connection and a sense of ownership among citizens to Āgenskalns market and to view it as their own community space, leading to increased sense of belonging and well-being. This has contributed to the market becoming a vibrant and thriving community hub.
- Citizens have actively participated in decision-making processes related to the revitalization of Āgenskalns market. Their inputs and preferences were sought at various stages, from envisioning the future of the market to participating in cultural and physical improvement of the space. This participatory approach empowered citizens to have a say in the development of their neighborhood.
- The project embraced a co-creative approach, involving citizens in shaping various spaces within the market. This includes the co-creation kitchen, courtyard, community garden, and cultural program. Citizens actively engage in suggesting ideas, providing feedback, and collaborating with the project team to shape these spaces according to their needs and aspirations. For instance, citizens were involved in a municipality-announced project competition for neighborhood ideas, resulting in the transformation of the front yard of Āgenskalns market. This collaborative decision-making process empowers citizens to contribute to shaping the public spaces they use. This multifaceted involvement ensures that the project is not only responsive to community needs but also reflective of the diverse interests within the neighborhood.
- By actively inviting citizens in revitalization efforts, the team aims to create a stronger connection and a sense of ownership among citizens to Āgenskalns market and to view it as their own community space, leading to increased sense of belonging and well-being. This has contributed to the market becoming a vibrant and thriving community hub.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
1. Sustainable local food circulation: Āgenskalns market prioritizes the development of sustainable local food supply chains, ensuring that locally sourced products are first hand readily available to the community. Additionally, Āgenskalns market introduced diverse food distribution practices, for instance, 24/7 food pick-up point, a food circulation center, it actively engages in activities aimed at reducing food waste, such as cooking in the co-creation kitchen and offering last-day lower prices, further promoting sustainability.
2. An initiative platform: This project extends beyond traditional market functions to serve a dynamic hub. The market not only stands as a recognized contemporary art space but surpasses this designation by incorporating diverse social functions and actively supporting a spectrum of multidisciplinary initiatives that extend to health, environment, local heritage, aid for socially vulnerable groups etc.
3. Āgenskalns market successfully combines the preservation of its rich cultural heritage with contemporary reality. Āgenskalns market identifies and responds to community needs, including enhancing environmental accessibility throughout its territory. It has introduced green spaces that were previously absent, improving the quality of life and contributing to the creation of urban public space.
4. Pioneering public-private partnership: this pioneering example of a public-private partnership sets a valuable precedent of its kind in the region. Although for the project team, it has not been an easy process, it can serve as an inspiration and catalyst for future collaborations in this region, enabling similar projects to move forward with greater ease and success. This commitment to partnership and innovation is a testament to the market's exemplary character in the realm of sustainability, cultural revitalization, historical preservation, and inclusive community development.
2. An initiative platform: This project extends beyond traditional market functions to serve a dynamic hub. The market not only stands as a recognized contemporary art space but surpasses this designation by incorporating diverse social functions and actively supporting a spectrum of multidisciplinary initiatives that extend to health, environment, local heritage, aid for socially vulnerable groups etc.
3. Āgenskalns market successfully combines the preservation of its rich cultural heritage with contemporary reality. Āgenskalns market identifies and responds to community needs, including enhancing environmental accessibility throughout its territory. It has introduced green spaces that were previously absent, improving the quality of life and contributing to the creation of urban public space.
4. Pioneering public-private partnership: this pioneering example of a public-private partnership sets a valuable precedent of its kind in the region. Although for the project team, it has not been an easy process, it can serve as an inspiration and catalyst for future collaborations in this region, enabling similar projects to move forward with greater ease and success. This commitment to partnership and innovation is a testament to the market's exemplary character in the realm of sustainability, cultural revitalization, historical preservation, and inclusive community development.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The market, being a complex and intertwined organism within the community, necessitated a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted nature for successful revitalization.
- Architecture and cultural heritage preservation: experts from these fields ensured the restoration and adaptive reuse of historical features, contributing to the market's identity.
- Contemporary arts and culture: collaboration with local artists and organizations enriched the project with a dynamic cultural life that celebrates local and national cultural expressions and reflects contemporary realities.
- Sustainability and environmental fields: involved experts in sustainability, waste reduction and ecological design and practices contributed to a market that aligns with contemporary environmental consciousness.
- Social sciences and community engagement: comprehensive understanding of regeneration went beyond physical structures by involvement of community members, local cultural and social organizations, volunteers and various interest groups in collaboration with social scientists. The project team organized gatherings and focus groups, conducted surveys, and engaged in regular discussions to ensure the project resonated with the needs and desires of the community.
- Urban planning: expertise to optimize the layout of the market space involved considerations for accessibility, community engagement, and the incorporation of green spaces, enhancing the overall urban experience.
- Food supply chain management: working with food producers and experts contributed to improving the logistics, processes, and systems involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of food products.
- Social entrepreneurship: this approach of the project's team ensures that long-term economic aspects are balanced with a commitment to community well-being.
- Architecture and cultural heritage preservation: experts from these fields ensured the restoration and adaptive reuse of historical features, contributing to the market's identity.
- Contemporary arts and culture: collaboration with local artists and organizations enriched the project with a dynamic cultural life that celebrates local and national cultural expressions and reflects contemporary realities.
- Sustainability and environmental fields: involved experts in sustainability, waste reduction and ecological design and practices contributed to a market that aligns with contemporary environmental consciousness.
- Social sciences and community engagement: comprehensive understanding of regeneration went beyond physical structures by involvement of community members, local cultural and social organizations, volunteers and various interest groups in collaboration with social scientists. The project team organized gatherings and focus groups, conducted surveys, and engaged in regular discussions to ensure the project resonated with the needs and desires of the community.
- Urban planning: expertise to optimize the layout of the market space involved considerations for accessibility, community engagement, and the incorporation of green spaces, enhancing the overall urban experience.
- Food supply chain management: working with food producers and experts contributed to improving the logistics, processes, and systems involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of food products.
- Social entrepreneurship: this approach of the project's team ensures that long-term economic aspects are balanced with a commitment to community well-being.
Methodology used
Key steps in the methodology include:
1. The project prioritized collaboration with the local community from the outset in 2018 - a public questionnaire about the market's future concept and vision gathered responses from 1700 individuals within a week. Public discussions and focus groups with Āgenskalns residents and the establishment of a neighborhood association further deepened community engagement.
2. The collaborative effort resulted in the formulation of a comprehensive vision for the market's revitalization. This vision played a crucial role in the subsequent stages of the project.
3. The proposed vision and commitment secured success in the public auction, granting the lease right for the Āgenskalns market for the next 30 years.
4. To ensure continuous market operations and preserve access to local food and work possibilities for producers, the team decided to restore market activities the same year in the courtyard while the historical pavilion underwent renovation. This allowed for ongoing market functions and the development of new initiatives.
5. Throughout the project, the team actively collaborated with stakeholders, including the municipality, neighborhood association, volunteers, cultural, social, and environmental organizations, scientists, and producers.
6. The phased approach continued with the opening of the historical pavilion in 2022. Since then, the project team has consistently implemented improvements to the pavilion and its surrounding areas while maintaining an active cultural and social calendar.
7. The project's immense scale and successful rebirth underscore the necessity of close collaboration and engagement from various stakeholders. The team's multidisciplinary practice, incorporating cultural, social, environmental, and economic dimensions, has been pivotal in creating a vibrant and sustainable community hub.
1. The project prioritized collaboration with the local community from the outset in 2018 - a public questionnaire about the market's future concept and vision gathered responses from 1700 individuals within a week. Public discussions and focus groups with Āgenskalns residents and the establishment of a neighborhood association further deepened community engagement.
2. The collaborative effort resulted in the formulation of a comprehensive vision for the market's revitalization. This vision played a crucial role in the subsequent stages of the project.
3. The proposed vision and commitment secured success in the public auction, granting the lease right for the Āgenskalns market for the next 30 years.
4. To ensure continuous market operations and preserve access to local food and work possibilities for producers, the team decided to restore market activities the same year in the courtyard while the historical pavilion underwent renovation. This allowed for ongoing market functions and the development of new initiatives.
5. Throughout the project, the team actively collaborated with stakeholders, including the municipality, neighborhood association, volunteers, cultural, social, and environmental organizations, scientists, and producers.
6. The phased approach continued with the opening of the historical pavilion in 2022. Since then, the project team has consistently implemented improvements to the pavilion and its surrounding areas while maintaining an active cultural and social calendar.
7. The project's immense scale and successful rebirth underscore the necessity of close collaboration and engagement from various stakeholders. The team's multidisciplinary practice, incorporating cultural, social, environmental, and economic dimensions, has been pivotal in creating a vibrant and sustainable community hub.
How stakeholders are engaged
Local:
- Riga municipality owns the building and courtyard, gives permissions and ensures the employment of agreement.
- Āgenskalns neighbourhood association and residents. The market revitalization project acted as a catalyst to the establishment of the association. Regular community meetings and surveys with association and residents ensure a participatory approach.
- A network of more than 500 producers contributes to the market's vitality, ensuring a diverse range of products and a dynamic and thriving market space.
- Local cultural, social, and environmental organizations - market serves as a free platform to support local initiatives that represent various interests and engage people.
- Collaboration with Apeirons and Sustento improved accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Partnerships with Zero Waste Latvija and Zaļā brīvība focus on waste reduction initiatives.
- Collaborating with universities (Riga Technical University, Stradins University, Riseba, Turība) involves students in the revitalization process and provides them with valuable real-world experience, from architecture to media.
- Collaboration with organizations like Young Folks encourages youth initiatives, particularly involving Russian-speaking youth.
Regional: Baltic Studies Center and Riga Planning Region bring sociological and regional planning perspectives.
National: State Inspection for Heritage Protection coordinates aspects related to the building's historical preservation.
Global:
- The engagement of international partners (Reading University, Cordoba University, TESSERAE, etc.) from various disciplines, including urban planning, social sciences, architecture, and arts, brings diverse expertise to the project.
- Participation in the International Public Markets Conference elevates the project's international profile. Invitation to present Āgenskalns market experience in London and Toronto sets it as a unique and exemplary case study on the global stage.
- Riga municipality owns the building and courtyard, gives permissions and ensures the employment of agreement.
- Āgenskalns neighbourhood association and residents. The market revitalization project acted as a catalyst to the establishment of the association. Regular community meetings and surveys with association and residents ensure a participatory approach.
- A network of more than 500 producers contributes to the market's vitality, ensuring a diverse range of products and a dynamic and thriving market space.
- Local cultural, social, and environmental organizations - market serves as a free platform to support local initiatives that represent various interests and engage people.
- Collaboration with Apeirons and Sustento improved accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Partnerships with Zero Waste Latvija and Zaļā brīvība focus on waste reduction initiatives.
- Collaborating with universities (Riga Technical University, Stradins University, Riseba, Turība) involves students in the revitalization process and provides them with valuable real-world experience, from architecture to media.
- Collaboration with organizations like Young Folks encourages youth initiatives, particularly involving Russian-speaking youth.
Regional: Baltic Studies Center and Riga Planning Region bring sociological and regional planning perspectives.
National: State Inspection for Heritage Protection coordinates aspects related to the building's historical preservation.
Global:
- The engagement of international partners (Reading University, Cordoba University, TESSERAE, etc.) from various disciplines, including urban planning, social sciences, architecture, and arts, brings diverse expertise to the project.
- Participation in the International Public Markets Conference elevates the project's international profile. Invitation to present Āgenskalns market experience in London and Toronto sets it as a unique and exemplary case study on the global stage.
Global challenges
1. Preserving markets worldwide: Āgenskalns market example showcases how to maintain and nurture market cultural significance within a city's ecosystem. And it does so in an innovative and multidisciplinary manner. By revitalizing and preserving this market locally with open pathways and collaborations internationally, the project contributes to the global challenge of sustaining traditional markets, which are not only places of commerce but also significant cultural landmarks in urban settings and are integral to a city's identity.
2. Ensuring food availability and community links: the project at Āgenskalns market focuses on ensuring food availability, successful food supply chains, and fostering community connections through the promotion of local culinary heritage. This is vital not only in the Latvian context but also globally as food serves as a link between people, and the project acknowledges its role in connecting communities. Additionally, it addresses various related areas, including environmental sustainability, health, and well-being, as a part of creating a more sustainable and interconnected food system.
3. Inclusivity and collaboration across social groups: Āgenskalns market acts as a platform for the inclusion and collaboration of diverse social groups. It facilitates the exchange of experiences, addresses the needs of various societal segments. By creating a space for social interaction and engagement, the project contributes to the global objective of fostering inclusivity and addressing issues faced by various segments of society.
4. Promoting health and well-being through public space: by creating an attractive and vibrant public space, the project enhances the quality of life for the local community. Public spaces play a significant role in the physical and mental well-being of residents, and the project's focus on revitalization demonstrates how local initiatives can positively impact the health and well-being of a community.
2. Ensuring food availability and community links: the project at Āgenskalns market focuses on ensuring food availability, successful food supply chains, and fostering community connections through the promotion of local culinary heritage. This is vital not only in the Latvian context but also globally as food serves as a link between people, and the project acknowledges its role in connecting communities. Additionally, it addresses various related areas, including environmental sustainability, health, and well-being, as a part of creating a more sustainable and interconnected food system.
3. Inclusivity and collaboration across social groups: Āgenskalns market acts as a platform for the inclusion and collaboration of diverse social groups. It facilitates the exchange of experiences, addresses the needs of various societal segments. By creating a space for social interaction and engagement, the project contributes to the global objective of fostering inclusivity and addressing issues faced by various segments of society.
4. Promoting health and well-being through public space: by creating an attractive and vibrant public space, the project enhances the quality of life for the local community. Public spaces play a significant role in the physical and mental well-being of residents, and the project's focus on revitalization demonstrates how local initiatives can positively impact the health and well-being of a community.
Learning transferred to other parties
Several elements of the Āgenskalns market project have the potential to be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts:
1. Sustaining collaboration and trusting community network: the collaborative network and the culture of trust and cooperation cultivated at Āgenskalns market. Building strong connections with over 1000 active stakeholders, from producers to community members and organizations, is a successful practice that can be emulated. This collaborative approach has proven essential for creating a solid foundation for operations and long-term sustainability. The experience of fostering community engagement and trust can be shared and applied in other community-driven projects.
2. Public-private partnerships: Āgenskalns market serves as an exemplary case of public-private partnership, demonstrating how a social enterprise can collaborate with local governments. The unique nature of this partnership, where the responsibility for municipality owned historical heritage completely falls on the social enterprise, offers an alternative model for achieving community development objectives. This example could inspire similar partnerships in other regions, enabling more efficient and community-driven initiatives.
3. Preservation and development of local markets: the global importance of preserving and revitalizing local markets within urban contexts is a significant outtake from Āgenskalns market. Markets play a crucial role in urban ecosystems as multifunctional public spaces. The success of the Āgenskalns market project in redefining market trends and culture offers insights and best practices for maintaining and enhancing markets worldwide.
By sharing these elements and experiences, Āgenskalns market can contribute to the development of vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces, inspiring other initiatives to follow a similar path toward cultural revitalization, preservation, and community inclusion.
1. Sustaining collaboration and trusting community network: the collaborative network and the culture of trust and cooperation cultivated at Āgenskalns market. Building strong connections with over 1000 active stakeholders, from producers to community members and organizations, is a successful practice that can be emulated. This collaborative approach has proven essential for creating a solid foundation for operations and long-term sustainability. The experience of fostering community engagement and trust can be shared and applied in other community-driven projects.
2. Public-private partnerships: Āgenskalns market serves as an exemplary case of public-private partnership, demonstrating how a social enterprise can collaborate with local governments. The unique nature of this partnership, where the responsibility for municipality owned historical heritage completely falls on the social enterprise, offers an alternative model for achieving community development objectives. This example could inspire similar partnerships in other regions, enabling more efficient and community-driven initiatives.
3. Preservation and development of local markets: the global importance of preserving and revitalizing local markets within urban contexts is a significant outtake from Āgenskalns market. Markets play a crucial role in urban ecosystems as multifunctional public spaces. The success of the Āgenskalns market project in redefining market trends and culture offers insights and best practices for maintaining and enhancing markets worldwide.
By sharing these elements and experiences, Āgenskalns market can contribute to the development of vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces, inspiring other initiatives to follow a similar path toward cultural revitalization, preservation, and community inclusion.
Keywords
- Regeneration of heritage: the project focuses on the regeneration of cultural and historical heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving and revitalizing local traditions and culture in a contemporary environment.
- Cultural revitalization: Āgenskalns market is a hub for celebrating local culture, traditions, and contemporary and artistic dynamics while creating a welcoming environment where community members can participate in practices and decision-making process
- Integral sustainability: the project implies sustainability throughout its principles and initiatives, emphasizing comprehensive approach that encompasses environmental, economic, cultural and social dimensions.
- Co-creation: co-creation is a fundamental value for community building, where diverse members collaboratively shape the Āgenskalns market environment. The project encourages interactions and collaborations among people from different social groups.
- Well-being: the project aims to enhance the well-being of the community by creating a welcoming and vibrant public space, content and practices.
