Latvian architecture office NRJA (No Rules Just Architecture) has completed the first phase of the Riga Circus reconstruction. NRJA follows the principle of "adding by removing" - by revealing hidden historical layers, a sense of newness is created, while simultaneously embodying the 135 years of existence of the Riga Circus building. The reconstructed arena features a unique CLT (cross-laminated timber) panel dome that houses the historical construction and a new, contemporary culture program.
National
Latvia
{Empty}
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund
{Empty}
No
Yes
2022-12-01
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): NRJA (No Rules Just Architecture) Type of organisation: For-profit company First name of representative: Elina Last name of representative: Libiete Gender: Female Nationality: Latvia Function: Employee Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Miesnieku 12 Town: Riga Postal code: LV-1050 Country: Latvia Direct Tel:+371 29 908 662 E-mail:elina@nrja.lv Website:http://nrja.lv
Latvian architecture office NRJA (No Rules Just Architecture) has completed the first phase of the Riga Circus reconstruction. NRJA follows the principle of "adding by removing" - by revealing hidden historical layers, a sense of newness is created, while simultaneously embodying the 135 years of existence of the Riga Circus building. The reconstructed arena features a unique CLT (cross-laminated timber) panel dome that houses the historical construction and a new, contemoprary culture program.
The reconstructed arena is an example of radical conservation - the architects have only peeled off the layers that were ready to detach themselves due to decay, not hiding any presumably unaesthetic elements behind cladding and not correcting apparently non-architectural details. The hidden dimension of the building – time – is revealed in a seemingly random way, relinquishing direct authorship over what to reveal and what to keep hidden. The accumulated historical cultural layers are the main author of the sensory experience in the rebuilt Circus building. There is more new than old in terms of communicative attitude towards the end-users, when at the same time there is more historical substance and layers on display. The designed contradiction of the project sets a potent precedent and a direction for revitalizing public space through the process of removal.
historical reconstruction
CLT panel dome
energy efficiency
preservation of cultural traditions
revitalisation of public space
The project's main aim was to raise the energy efficiency of the building, while preserving the historical architecture of Riga Circus, which was achieved through unobstrusive, yet efficient interventions. Before the reconstruction the buiding had virtually no insulation and was on the brink of disintegration. During the reconstruction the building's outer shell was insulated and a new CLT panel dome was erected, that allowed no only to lessen the energy losses, but also to preserve the historical construction of the original dome, which had lost its bearing capacity.
The original building materials were preserved as much as possible, or re-used for new purposes - old bricks reused for the reconstruction of collapsed areas, wood from the original arena seating repurposed as cladding for the arena, architectural details transferred to new places to serve a new function. This has allowed not only to bring down the carbon footprint of the reconstruction, but also to preserve the building's character by revealing its historical layers and traditional methods of construction.
The reconstrution also features the introduction of new, energy efficient ventilation and heating systems. The architectural solutions don't hide the new infrastructure from sight, avoiding unnecessary use of material, ensuring ease of repairs and remaining honest to the fact that the reconstructed arena is a mish-mash of old and new. Reconstruction of the historical tower on top of the dome allows for natural light to enter the arena once more, which can be used during the shows.
At its core the reconstruction is an insulation project, but, instead of diminishing the aesthetic qualities of the building, as it often happens, when improving the energy efficiency of historical buildings, the project enhances its architectural value. In a region that has a lot of scepticism for insulation projects, the reconstruction of Riga Circus casts a favourable light on energy efficiency improvements.
The objective of the reconstruction was to reveal the hidden architectural and historical values already present in the Riga Circus building in order to create a sense of character that is based on the traditional circus arts and traditional methods of building. By mixing old and new, traditional and contemporary, the reconstruction aims to create a unique sensory atmosphere that fosters historical continuity and a sense of belonging to the cultural tradition of circus arts.
One of the guiding principles of architectural decisions was to reflect the unique funcion of a contemporary circus arena visually. This has been achieved by allowing a certain sense of playfulness and improvisation in design solutions, and by creatively reusing original building materials. The recontruction also supports a rich cultural programme to take place in the previously closed arena, offering positive emotions to both circus artists, as well as the visitors.
Before the reconstruction the whole quarter of Riga Circus was closed to the public and was a degraded territory in the heart of the city. The revitalisation of the Riga Circus benefits not only the visitors and artists of the circus, but also the wider population of the city as a whole.
The historical building of Riga Circus was accessibly only to able-bodied visitors. The reconstruction has made the building accessible to wheelchair users, children and strives to emply principles of universal design.
The previously unaccessible courtyard has been opened up to the general public, creating a new cultural place that can reach a wider audience. The new cultural programme has renounced the participation of animals in the performances, striving for a more sustainable and just mode of operation. Riga Circus is the participant or founder of multiple artists and performers network, promoting the circus arts inot only in Riga and latvia, but also the Baltic region and Northern Europe in general.
Before the reconstruction the whole quarter of Riga Circus was closed to the public and was a degraded territory in the heart of the city. The revitalisation of the Riga Circus benefits not only the visitors and artists of the circus, but also the wider population of the city as a whole.
Riga Circus has organised neighbour meetups, strengthening the local community and involving the local residents and businesses in the planning of the future phases of the Riga Circus renovation. The future development of the Riga Circus (showcased in the visualisations) has been the subject to public debate in Riga and among the performing arts community.
The reconstruction of Riga Circus ir the result of a close collaboration between the client - Ministry of Culture -, the end user - Riga Circus - , the architects - NRJA - , the Commitee of National Heritage, as well as the managers of the European Regional Developmen Fund. Each of these organisations have brought various priorities and values to the project, balancing them out in a collaborative effort. Only through a true partnership has it been possible to satisfy the high technical parameters and functional needs of the performers, the energy efficiency improvement measures and the necessary high respect towards the architectural heritage, as the building is a an architectural monument of a national scale.
The reconstruction of Riga Circus features a unique construction - a CLT panel dome that is self-supporting and can bear considerable loads necessary for circus performances. Since the metal structure of the historical dome has lost its load-bearing capacity, a new network of columns and a dome of CLT panels have been built parallel to it, keeping the historical structure unstressed and exposed. CLT panel domes are a particularly complex structure, as the panels are interconnected with individually designed elements and, acting in mutual connection, form a spherical, self-supporting shape. With CLT panels, the structural stability of the dome is simultaneously ensured, a smooth, massive inner plane is created, which does not require further finishing, and also, thanks to the integrity of the material, improved energy efficiency indicators. In addition, a new, safe hanging system was implemented, which makes it possible to make all the necessary fastenings in the dome area, as well as providing easy access to it. The dome has 76 suspension points, each of which can withstand a load of 6 tons.
The construction is the result of innovative constructive solutions, thanks to the involvement of construction engineers ARENSO. The measures of energy efficiency improvemens are the result of consulting from environmental specialists. Finally, the building has had an extnesive architectural and artistic analysis, ensuring the preservation of historical values.
A sense of belonging to the historical architecture fo Riga;
A sense of belonging to the continued tradition of circus arts;
A sense of belonging to a wider cross-national network;
A heightened sense of belonging of the local residents as part of a neighbourhood community;
The residents sense of belonging to an open cultural space.
The reconstruction of Riga Circus features a unique construction - a CLT panel dome that is self-supporting and can bear considerable loads necessary for circus performances. Since the metal structure of the historical dome has lost its load-bearing capacity, a new network of columns and a dome of CLT panels have been built parallel to it, keeping the historical structure unstressed and exposed. CLT panel domes are a particularly complex structure, as the panels are interconnected with individually designed elements and, acting in mutual connection, form a spherical, self-supporting shape. With CLT panels, the structural stability of the dome is simultaneously ensured, a smooth, massive inner plane is created, which does not require further finishing, and also, thanks to the integrity of the material, improved energy efficiency indicators. In addition, a new, safe hanging system was implemented, which makes it possible to make all the necessary fastenings in the dome area, as well as providing easy access to it. The dome has 76 suspension points, each of which can withstand a load of 6 tons.
Furthermore, at its core the reconstruction is an insulation project, but, instead of diminishing the aesthetic qualities of the building, as it often happens, when improving the energy efficiency of historical buildings, the project enhances its architectural value. In a region that has a lot of scepticism for insulation projects, the reconstruction of Riga Circus casts a favourable light on energy efficiency improvements.
NRJA follows the principle of "adding by removing" - by revealing hidden historical layers, a sense of newness is created, while simultaneously embodying the 135 years of existence of the Riga Circus building. The reconstructed arena features a unique CLT (cross-laminated timber) panel dome that houses the historical construction and a new, contemoprary culture program.
The reconstructed arena is an example of radical conservation - the architects have only peeled off the layers that were ready to detach themselves due to decay, not hiding any presumably unaesthetic elements behind cladding and not correcting apparently non-architectural details. The hidden dimension of the building – time – is revealed in a seemingly random way, relinquishing direct authorship over what to reveal and what to keep hidden. The accumulated historical cultural layers are the main author of the sensory experience in the rebuilt Circus building. There is more new than old in terms of communicative attitude towards the end-users, when at the same time there is more historical substance and layers on display. The designed contradiction of the project sets a potent precedent and a direction for revitalizing public space through the process of removal.
The method of historical preservation, while improving the energy efficiency, by using the method of "adding by removing", can be replicated in other historical reconstructions. The CLT panel dome is an example of an innovative construction technology that can be used elsewhere. the project features a lot of improvisation and many decisions were made during the construction process, when unexpected challenges were revealed in the historical structure. By having a close collaboration during the whole process of building, it is possible to achieve a level of flexibility, while not compromising the overarching concept of the project. The continued, flexible involvement of stakeholders is an approach worth replicating in other challenging reconstruction projects.
At its core the reconstruction is an insulation project, but, instead of diminishing the aesthetic qualities of the building, as it often happens, when improving the energy efficiency of historical buildings, the project enhances its architectural value. In a region that has a lot of scepticism for insulation projects, the reconstruction of Riga Circus casts a favourable light on energy efficiency improvements.
