London based architecture practice AI studio has received planning approval for a mixed-use tower in Latvian capital Riga, which has been designed in collaboration with local office DoStudio.

The 18,000 square metre mixed-use development will occupy a triangular site next to Skonto football stadium, just outside the Old Town of Riga (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and adjacent to historic Riga Fire Station. The design will feature class A office spaces, ground floor retail opportunities and a rooftop restaurant, in addition to creating a public area in front of the building.

The building’s distinct form was dictated by the triangular shape of the site and the city’s historic skyline; the building’s height will vary from 6 storeys on the side facing the Old Town, to comply with the average city centre building height, extending to 13 storeys towards the taller, modern, part of the city. Inspired by the historic skyline of Riga, the “spire” concept of the building’s design is a contemporary homage to the famous spires belonging to Riga’s medieval churches.

The project will offer public access throughout; the proposed rooftop restaurant will feature an open terrace overlooking the football pitch and with views of the Old Town skyline. Meanwhile, the front of the building will be raised to highlight the main entrance and create an open public piazza, enclosed by the attractive row of mature, pre-established trees that extend along the road.

To reduce the environmental impact, a hybrid structure of steel columns combined with timber compound beams and prefabricated concrete slabs is proposed. The façades of the tower will be fully glazed on all sides, with a double diagonal grid reminiscent of the folk pattern used in traditional Latvian embroidery.

Key features of the proposed design include:

“Spire” concept inspired by the city’s historic skyline and determined by its historic surroundings
Varied height from 24 to 49 metres
Public terrace overlooking the stadium and Old Town
Public piazza in front of the building
Part glulam structure
Glazed façade representing traditional Latvian pattern

The project has an estimated budget of €25 million.

Anton Khmelnitskiy, founder of AI, said, “In keeping with Riga’s recent cultural and urban regeneration, this project presented a unique opportunity to design an impressive contemporary building that blends the historic traditions of this beautiful city with 21st century architecture.”

About AI:
AI is an international multi-disciplinary design studio, practicing contemporary architecture, urbanism and interior design. Following the split of Architects of Invention, AI was formed in 2018 to continue with ongoing projects and existing staff. To accommodate a range of projects throughout the world, AI maintains offices in London and Moscow. Website: aistudio.co.uk.

Project team: Anton Khmelnitskiy, Didzis Krūmiņš, Dominykas Daynus, Daniel Jones, Julia Sosnovskaya, Egons Zaķis, Krišjānis Ķibers and Uģis Paeglis. 
Visuals by Photoreal3D.

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Media kit for download:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tt1wefz9wjt9qly/AADgQsRoMzcoYdV5DGOV_iisa?dl=0