Process office

reconstruction of the existing LNMM building . Riga


Process office

Three aspects - the reconstruction strategy for the building of the Latvian National Nuseum of Art building in Riga
Considering unique architecture of the building, its importance of representation and significant contribution to the cultural heritage the proposed extension strategy is based on:
- preservation of the existing building capacity and authentic details;
- clearly expressed modern volume and subtle minimal design of the additional spaces needed for renewal and extension of museum functions;
- redesign of the functional strategy of the existing building, that would allow more efficient use of the existing building and ergonomic integration of the extension.
Following these aspects we offer functionally and aesthetically balanced project of the reconstruction and extension of the building of the Latvian National Museum of Art, preserving the building as historical urban landmark and giving to it modern functionality.













Aspect of heritage. The current Museum building, which is regarded as a national architectural monument and is one of the most representative architectural objects of Riga, we offer restoration with maximum preservation of functional building elements, using modern technology, while maintaining the original decorative elements unchanged.
Aesthetic aspect. We offer to solve problem of shortage of exposition space by adapting an existing unused building space, and additional functions to concentrate in the new extension, designed below ground level. By placing new extension below ground level it is possible to maximize the preservation of historical urban landmark. Exceptional architectural museum building is added only neutral concrete court with a symbolic amphitheater in copper.
The functional aspect. Working on modernization of the building of the museum we have concentrated on design of the functional strategy, putting attention on redistribution of space and logical classification, grouping and connection making of the existing and future museum premises and functions. In response to the needs of the museum, we have made came to the such a functional approach:
- Leaving the site free of new ground-based volumes, we propose install archives with restoration workshops and ancillary facilities in a new extension below ground level.
- Over the archives, in between park and the museum building we propose the square - stylized social space for outdoor café, a video projection in the open air and other public events.
- In the middle of the square we propose amphitheater with 10 X 10 m glass cover at the bottom of it that visitors could watch through it everyday life of the museum and it could work as a skylight for workplaces too.
- The ground floor we suggest to adapt for museum’s administrative and public functions - classrooms, cafeteria / restaurant, conference hall, children's training classes that could be accessible both from the street and the park side.
- We propose to leave exposition spaces where it is now and new exposition space (970 sq.m.) to form from unused attic. According to the requirements for exposition space we would propose to install skylights with total control of natural light and UV filters.
- For convenient and practical use we propose to redesign roof of the building in a way that it would have symmetrical slopes from both Valdemara street and Esplanade street sides.
- Above the attic we propose to install terrace with picturesque panoramas. The impressive dome space could be utilized for temporary installations and for exit to the roof terrace.

Status: competition, 1st prize, 2010;
Location: Riga, Latvia
Program: reconstruction of the existing LNMM building 4700m², extension for archives, workshops, technical facilities 1700m²;
Space: 6 400 m²;
Team: Vytautas Biekša, Rokas Kilčiauskas, Marius Kanevičius, Ježi Stankevič, Austė Kuliešiūtė, Miglė Nainytė
In collaboration with: Andrius Skiezgelas / architect
Consultants: Giedrius Gulbinas / curator / National Gallery of Art of the Lithuanian Art Museum



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