A New Life for the Riga Old Town
Proposed jointly by Studio A and Studio B, the project envisions transforming Riga’s Old Town into a vibrant car-free district where streets and public spaces are repurposed to prioritise pedestrians, green areas and cultural life. By enhancing comfort and the visitor experience, the initiative encourages longer stays, fosters social interaction, revitalises the historic core and strengthens tourism, ultimately paving the way for Riga to evolve into a fully car-free city with a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment.
In Studio C I proposed integrating The Amber Memory & Experience Centre into Livu Square. The centre revives shared urban memories and celebrates Riga’s heritage by weaving the Baltic gold of amber into everyday life through galleries, workshops and public spaces. It provides places for residents to meet, share stories and shape their neighbourhood, supports local artisans and trade, and welcomes both residents and visitors, reinforcing community identity while respecting the area’s familiar social and commercial rhythms.
Together, the car-free strategy and the Amber Centre reinforce one another: pedestrianised streets create an inviting setting for the centre’s programmes, while the centre activates public space and enriches the Old Town’s cultural and economic life.
