Courtyard Atmospheres

In today's Riga, the streets are mostly occupied by heavy car traffic, and people much prefer to gather and stay in courtyards. There are many of these in Riga, because the city is made up of large blocks, and only part of the buildings are visible from the street.

Architecture
The concept of this project is to continue the same way and to fill the void in the urban fabric by adding new courtyards to the existing labyrinth. The courtyards are like urban rooms - enclosed outdoor spaces, each with its own environmental character or atmosphere. In some you can hide from the hum of the city, while in others, on the contrary, you can feel like you are in the living room at the heart of the party. In another, you can cool off in the summer heat like a green oasis, or spread a picnic blanket on the lawn in the sunshine.
The project uses a distinctly contemporary architectural language - textured concrete in volumes of laconic forms. The main value is the human being - resident, tenant, visitor, passer-by - and their needs and amenities: accessibility, safety, social life, diversity of functions, aesthetic environment. A pleasant urban environment is diverse, so buildings are planned in different heights, with terraces and outdoor galleries, with abundant greenery and opportunities for outdoor use.
The design provides a modern interpretation of the colonnade or outdoor gallery element, leaving a covered outdoor space at ground and, in places, first floor level. It has a practical function, such as a terrace for a café or restaurant, but perhaps more importantly, an environmental scaling function. These gallery elements make the street space at ground floor level more human-scaled, pleasant and cosy.

Landscaping
The project has a strong focus on quality of the outdoor spaces, human scale, tactile qualities and accessibility. Different types of pavements and plazas provide a sense of the city - cobbles provide visual associations with the old town and historic buildings, gravel surfaces are typical of parks everywhere in Europe, while concrete slabs bring a contemporary feel and also provide easy and comfortable movement for both wheelchair users and people in smart shoes.  
The landscaping concept also aims to contribute to the quality of the environment, at any time of the year. We live in a climate characterised by a marked change of seasons. This is the basis for the choice of vegetation in the project, which ensures a different but equally aesthetically pleasing environment in winter and summer. 
The lawn covers most of the recreation yard and also features a playful topography that also adds visual interest to the environment.