New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023

Concept category

Identify the award category for which this concept is being submitted
Regaining a sense of belonging

Email user
robertafisere@gmail.com

Basic information
Concept title
Borderless port of Eksportosta

Full Concept Title
Forgotten social territories - reconnecting the port and the city

Please provide a short, catchy description of your concept to be used in communication towards the public
The borderless port of Eksportosta breaks down the borders between the port and the city and creates a vivid melting pot between tourism, leisure and contemporary culture. An elevated promenade stretches across the territory to provide a unique opportunity to observe the activities taking place in the passenger port. The project emphasises the importance of opening former restricted industrial areas to the public to create a diverse, inclusive and sustainable environment.

What was the geographical scope of your concept?
Regional

Where was your concept implemented?
Member State(s) and Western Balkans
Latvia

If relevant, insert names of region(s)/municipality(ies) involved
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Does your concept address mainly urban or rural issues?
Mainly urban

Does your concept refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations (hard or soft investments)?
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

Has your concept benefited from EU programmes and/or funds?
No

Has your concept won an EU prize with a monetary value awarded?
No

On whose behalf are you submitting the application?
As an individual
Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
- URL: https://www.instagram.com/roberta.fisere/
In case my concept is selected as a finalist of the NEB Prizes 2023, I agree to share the name (individual and/or organisation’s), email address, website and social media accounts indicated above with other NEB Prizes finalists. I also agree to publish the name (individual and/or organisation’s), website and social media accounts indicated above next to the public description of my concept in the channels of the European Commission
Yes

How did you hear about the New European Bauhaus Prizes?
NEB Newsletter

Description of the concept
Please provide a summary of your concept.
Riga historically has developed as a port city, but today the city's connection to the waterfront is blocked by the vast territory of the Freeport of Riga. Almost 20% of Riga was completely isolated from the city during the Soviet era, breaking the sense of belonging to the waterfront areas in the local mindset. Design approach of Eksportosta is based on creating a new image of a borderless port which reconnects the port and the city.

The project is designed as a response to the Riga Municipality plan to develop infrastructure for a Passenger Terminal in Eksportosta. Port-related activities are separated from the public space on the ground level to meet the security and customs requirements. An elevated volume guides the passengers from the terminal building to the ships, while a public open space above provides a connection between the separated areas and offers a unique opportunity to observe the activities taking place in the harbour.

The historical identity of Eksportosta is tightly linked to the port activities. The impressive scale, tectonics and semantics of the existing warehouse highlights its former use. The gentle warehouse adaptation to a passenger terminal is executed in a rational and sustainable way, without losing the industrial image. The functional programme of the building is based on the existing social activities in the area - local contemporary art movements, thus promoting Riga's image as a destination for culture and sustainable tourism.

The project addresses global issues on how to reconcile public and private interests to prevent industrial areas from becoming enclosed, avoid social segregation and gentrification and regain a sense of belonging to a place. The project emphasises the importance of opening former restricted industrial areas to the public to create a diverse, inclusive and sustainable environment.

Please indicate the main themes of your concept with 5 key words.
Port

Please indicate the main themes of your concept with key words
Waterfront

Please indicate the main themes of your concept with key words
Industrial Heritage

Please indicate the main themes of your concept with key words
Culture

Please indicate the main themes of your concept with key words
Tourism

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept in terms of sustainability and how these have been met. Please highlight how the concept can be exemplary in this context.
The project reuses the existing port infrastructure to preserve the historical and natural resources. The passenger terminal is placed in an existing warehouse building, which has been adapted to meet the safety and sustainability requirements of a contemporary passenger terminal. The layout of space provides a range of flexibility and a diverse functional use due to the open-plan layout and openings.

The reconstruction of the building preserves and amplifies the load bearing structure, which is based on a prefabricated reinforced concrete framework, supported by a 12x12 m column network. Energy efficient windows and skylights above the central atrium have been placed to provide daylight in the 50 m deep interior space. The warm air rises up through the atrium and is emitted through the façade.

A number of renewable energy solutions have been implemented in the project. Rainwater harvesting and treatment facilities are located in the area so that the water can be used to maintain the green areas. Solar panels are installed on the roof of buildings to harness renewable energy. A water heat pump with a water intake point is placed in the adjacent riverbank. Adjustable shutters control the indoor climate in addition to the natural ventilation.

The design approach highlights the use of the existing materials - concrete, glass and metal. The use of timber in interior space contrasts the monumental and industrial character of the building while creating a pleasant and warm atmosphere. Timber is promoted as a sustainable regional material with high added value.

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people (through design, positive emotions and cultural benefits) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the concept can be exemplary in this context.
The project emphasises the connection between Eksportosta and its industrial heritage to strengthen the sense of belonging and create a unique spatial character. The territory has occasionally been used as an exhibition and performance venue for the RIBOCA contemporary art biennale. The project proposes to maintain the existing activities of contemporary art and reintroduce the typology of passenger terminal as a melting pot between tourism, leisure and contemporary culture.

The aesthetic qualities of the project emphasises the existing assets of the venue - the impressive scale, tectonics and semantics of the load-bearing structure, the use of industrial materials - concrete, metal and glass, visual purity of the image and compliance with the task, authenticity and functionality of the materials. The new volume is designed in load bearing metal framework with a corrugated metal finish.

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept in terms of inclusion (ranging from accessibility and affordability for all to inclusive governing systems, design for all principles or new societal models) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the concept can be exemplary in this context.
Sustainable urban development emphasises the need to create both an economically active and inclusive environment, providing access to urban green and blue infrastructure. Access to the waterfront has been an emerging issue in the development of Riga city planning since regaining national independence in the 1990s. In the context of the current geopolitical situation, there is an urgent need to review the efficiency and future prospects of the Freeport of Riga - a transit port, strongly tied with the Russian and Belarusian markets.

The area is currently an isolated customs area, which has a negative impact on the environmental quality of the adjacent residential areas. It is characterised by fragmented brownfield urban fabric and poor connections to the city's public infrastructure. The regeneration of the degraded areas of Eksportosta marks a great potential for further development not only for the inspected site but also for the surrounding neighbourhood community.

The project aims to provide the community with open access to its waterfront by creating public open squares and promenades. The promenade along the Daugava riverside continues the intended axis from the old city centre to Eksportosta. An elevated volume guides the passengers from the terminal building to the ships, while the public open space above provides a connection between the separated areas and offers a unique opportunity to observe the activities taking place in the harbour.

The borderless port of Eksportosta is designed as a pilot project for the regeneration of the Freeport of Riga to demonstrate that private and public interests can be integrated in a sustainable and inclusive development of open public space while maintaining the qualities needed for an economically active port.

Please explain the way citizens benefiting from or affected by the concept and civil society have been / will be involved in the concept and what has been / will be the impact of this involvement on the concept.
The research on the project has taken into account several surveys of the life quality of the surrounding area by the local communities. The research data gathered depicts the main negative aspects - the lack of open public space and infrastructure, noise and air pollution of the heavy transport and coal terminals and lack of access to the waterfront. The project proposal addresses these issues to improve the overall life quality of the area by developing a new landmark on a regional level. Further research on community involvement will be conducted in the following months.

The project has been presented to port authorities and further aims to receive recognition from the local municipality. The project will be presented in a public exhibition on February 2023 to introduce society with the idea of a borderless port. Due to the geopolitical situation, Freeport of Riga has to change its current market strategies. This is an important moment to involve local society in the discussion on the importance of regaining the waterfronts in Riga.

The project aims to encourage the local society to be more involved in the discussion of regaining the waterfronts in Riga by presenting a bold idea of a sustainable and inclusive port. The new image of a borderless port, which is transparent and open as opposed to the soviet era port, aims to regain the trust of society and create a place with a strong sense of belonging.

Please explain how different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national, European) were engaged in the design and development of the concept. Please highlight what the added value of their engagement was
The development of a sustainable and inclusive port requires dynamic and efficient relationships between port authorities and the municipality, society and private investors. The concept of the borderless port focuses on maintaining the interests of all the stakeholders.

The needs of the port authorities include efficient functional organization while maintaining the necessary safety and control requirements which have been addressed by the careful organization of the functional layout. The municipality is interested in improving the overall life quality of the surrounding area and involving the port in the further development of the city. The project focuses on developing an efficient public transport system, connecting areas to pedestrian and bicycle routes, and providing waterfront access to the citizens. The needs of private investors and local businesses are focused on adaptable space for catering, leisure and culture. The diverse use of the public space as well as access to contemporary art connects the port and society by promoting Riga's image as a destination for culture and sustainable tourism.

Authorities of Riga Freeport and Riga Municipality are currently working on the competition brief for an open architecture competition for the Passenger Port in Eksportosta. The proposed concept of the Borderless port of Eksportosta has been introduced to local authorities and aims to bring attention to public needs regarding the competition brief. Further communication with local authorities, as well as the community, is planned for 2023.

Please explain which disciplines and / or knowledge fields were reflected in the design and development of your concept. Please explain how representatives of these different fields interacted with each other, and what the added value of this process was
The design is based on extensive research on phenomenology, a study of the relationship between man and the built environment, to understand the social and spatial principles of how society identifies with the environment and forms related activities. Relationships between the port and the city should be designed in line with the existing urban fabric and should be closely linked to the overall urban development strategy through the gradual densification of activities, programs and networks.

The knowledge found in the research on phenomenology depicts the need to create a place with a strong sense of belonging. Further investigation of the existing resources of the territory, such as the impressive scale and semiotics of the existing warehouse, understanding of the historical development of Riga as a port city, and research on the contemporary port design practices have been combined to develop a concept which focuses on creating an open and inviting port while maintaining its industrial character. Surveys on the life quality of the surrounding areas depict that the current exploitation of the area has a negative image in public opinion. Therefore, the redevelopment of the area needs to have a transparent and inviting image to regain a sense of belonging.

Please explain the innovative character of your concept when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the concept.
Passenger terminals are typically designed to follow the necessary safety and control requirements while maintaining maximum efficiency. The development of the concept is based on extensive research of the functional program of regional ports in order to find a unique way to combine the functional needs of a typical passenger port with a vision for a borderless port.

The port area is opened to the public by an elevated public open space above the port area, which provides a connection between the separated areas and offers a unique opportunity to observe the activities taking place in the harbor. Society is encouraged to learn and endorse the industrial character of the port. The introduction of the centre of contemporary art in the functional layout of a passenger terminal promotes a new image of the port as a melting pot between culture, leisure and tourism.

Please which elements of your concept could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries and contexts. This may involve, for example, aspects of the methodology, technology, processes, products, learnings, etc.
The project encourages finding the hidden potential in industrial areas to create public space as opposed to creating isolated and forgotten areas in the future. The transparency and inclusiveness of industrial areas promote society to learn about the processes happening there, and participate in the development of sustainable practices in the industrial ecosystem.

Please explain what kind of global challenges the concept addresses by providing local solutions
The project addresses global issues on how to reconcile public and private interests to prevent industrial areas from becoming enclosed, avoid social segregation and gentrification and regain a sense of belonging to a place. The project emphasises the importance of opening former restricted industrial areas to the public to create a diverse, inclusive and sustainable environment.

The project encourages to combine cross-disciplinary fields as contemporary art and port activities to create a vibrant and socially active environment. By maintaining the existing social activities as the movement of contemporary art in the area, the project encourages to regain a sense of belonging while expressing the industrial character of the port.

Please attach the development plan of your concept. This plan should detail the plans you have for the further development and implementation of your concept, with a particular attention to the steps envisaged in the year following the application. The plan should also include envisaged results and benefits from the concept for direct and indirect beneficiaries. The results and benefits should be specified in relation to the objectives of the concept, and to what is expected in the context of the respective category

Concept development plan.pdf
Please attach at least one high resolution image or visual representation of your concept to your application.
If you would like to upload additional documentation, please upload or write below
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By submitting your application you confirm that you are the copyright owner of the images provided and that they can be used by the European Commission for the purposes of promoting the New European Bauhaus on all platforms (websites, print, social media and other).
Yes

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Yes

By submitting this application, I declare that I am not related to the entities subject to EU restricted measures under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and subject to Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU)1, and entities covered by Commission Guidelines No 2013/C 205/05), which are not eligible to participate in any capacity.
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that you assume sole liability in the event of a claim relating to the activities carried out in the framework of the contest, that the proposed concept has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Prizes in any other category or strand and that it has not been subject to any type of investigation, which could lead to a financial correction because of irregularities or fraud.
Yes

By submitting your application, you guarantee that you are the author or have the rights to proceed with the application and to authorise the use of the concept, initiative, and that you have obtained any necessary consents, licenses or assignments from third parties and included copyright notices when necessary.
Yes

By submitting your application, you understand that all the applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be shared for the purposes of the selection processes, and notably published on the secured platform prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu and for the purposes of the promotion of these on the New European Bauhaus website and/or other European Commission communication channels. In this sense, the applications would be widely available. Applicants should ensure that they present their concepts, concepts, in such a way that they could be shared without giving rise to intellectual property related concerns. If your submission is selected as one of the finalists, it will additionally be shared for the purpose of the public vote that will take place. The European Union is granted a licence to use and share your application with the general public and the official external experts for the purposes of the selection process, including the voting. The European Union has the right to use the images and visual materials and the description provided in the application for communication purposes related to the contest and beyond. Rights granted comprise the right to store, reproduce, display, publish and communicate or distribute copies in electronic or digital format, including, but not only, through the internet. Unless you have disclosed your name, the European Commission has no obligation to share your name when using or disseminating your contribution to the public. The European Union cannot be held responsible in case any submitted concept, concept is found to infringe third party’s rights. The European Union shall be neither responsible for the use that third parties may do of the applications or related content.
Yes

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you read and understand that the ‘Guide to Applicants’ of the NEB Prizes 2023, available online in the website of the NEB Prizes 2023, is an integral part of this application form and that it must therefore be observed when completing and submitting your application.
Yes