Latvian Academy of Culture

The complex is situated in Riga’s Historic Centre, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage protection area. The main task was to create spaces for film and doctoral studies of the Latvian Academy of Culture. The main challenges were the poor technical condition of existing buildings and the location in a protected historic area, which required special design solutions. Transforming a partly degraded industrial zone into a place of education and culture is a socially significant achievement. The design process began in 2018, when the architecture office NRJA won an international competition.

The main task was to create spaces for film and doctoral studies of the Latvian Academy of Culture. The main challenges were the poor technical condition of existing buildings and the location in a protected historic area, which required special design solutions. The overall environmental design includes architecture, landscape, interior, navigation, typography, and all necessary engineering systems to make the buildings functional and sustainable. The color concept reflects the functional division of the complex: the Film School and Pavilion have black facades, while the Student House and courtyard surfaces are in a coral tone. The project is based on reuse and honesty of materials. The existing factory structures are kept visible, showing layers of history. Original textures and elements are not hidden — they remain part of the interior. Materials such as clay blocks, chipboard panels, raw aluminum frames, and galvanized details are all used without additional finishing, authentic.

The Student House facade is made from reused concrete paving bricks taken from the demolished street next to the site — the first known case in the world where reused paving blocks are used as facade cladding. The interior design continues the architectural concept. PVC sheet curtains, garage-type furniture, and custom-made pieces create a relaxed and creative atmosphere. In the Film School, colors are inspired by the film industry. The coral color of the Doctoral Student House expresses energy and optimism, supporting students’ daily life. Accessibility is ensured at street level, with lifts to upper floors. Wayfinding is designed with stenciled signs on floors, stairs, linoleum, and doors, and Braille markings on handrails. Neon warning signs indicate film and recording areas. The project emphasizes circularity and sustainability: reuse of existing buildings, second-life materials, timber structures, green roofs, and collaboration with local builders and manufacturers.