Kimmel Quarter

The site has a unique urban character in the context of the buildings of the historic center of Riga, where the history of the city’s construction and economic development over almost two centuries is represented in one place. In addition to the reconstruction of historically valuable buildings, new development is planned in the area, creating a multifunctional business complex of approximately 40,000 m2 within the boundaries of the quarter. This complex will comprise class “A” offices, hotels, and commercial space of a public nature. The motto of the proposal, “Reclaiming Kimmel Quarter,” reflects the basic idea of the solution to “return” or “give back” to the city a whole block of the historic center for active use. The solution is characterized by contemporary Northern European architectural features, the structure of Riga’s inner courtyards, and the use of local finishing materials in the facades. The proposal has been developed in collaboration with the world-renowned Danish architectural practice Henning Larsen Architects.