urban strategy
for flooded garden area in riga - jurmala waterway
author: Laura Laudere
project site in a context of family garden areas in Riga The situation is similar in most of the areas - geographical location is excellent, but areas are flooded and closed to surroundings and context.
project site
port of riga
area of family gardens unique natural landscape housing districts
daugavgriva’s fortress
industrial areas street patterns pedestrian walkways public water transport
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railroad
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water treatment plant
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scheme of existing pattern in the areas along the Buļļupe River Buļļupe is a river between two river mouths. It used to be very active waterway, but has become very silent in last 50 years. It is characterized by outstanding natural beauty near its outlet, but closer to its mouth it becomes much more urban.
project site area of family gardens unique natural landscape housing districts industrial areas street patterns pedestrian walkways public water transport
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a
ba
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railroad
scheme of new pattern in the areas along the Buļļupe River
Activity nods have been created along the river using existing objects. It is possible to create an attractive and diverse city structure by connecting them in one system. The project site is located in one end of main axe of Daugavgriva district and takes very important place in Buļļupe riverfront.
the project site in autumn 2011 Site development faces such threats as: - loosing a part of the city by letting it to submerge; - such constructions are appearing that do not react on sites context.
nowadays
close future (2025-2050)
far future (2070-2100)
flood risk once every 2 years flood risk once every 5 years flood risk once every 10 years
flood risks of the site
Adaptation to climate change has been underlined in the project. Flood is a natural process and area should be developed in strong connection with water. Diverse construction types have been proposed depending on flood risks.
water units
zoning of construction types depending on flood risks Water units - in areas where flood risk is once every 2 years. By creating canals it is possible to place floating buildings that react on every changes of water level.
changing units
zoning of construction types depending on flood risks Changing units - in areas where flood risk is once every 5 years. Amphibious buildings are proposed in areas. Buildings are on land, but are able of floating when the water level is high.
land units
zoning of construction types depending on flood risks Land units - in areas where flood risk is once every 10 years. Buildings are constructed on piles. Garden is flooded, but building itself is safe above the water.
pedestrian walkway along the river bank
existing bridge connection riga - port and riga - fortress
new pedestrian and bicycle bridge
development principle water comes in the site, streets comes towards the water
main traffic axes new bridge connection riga - beach
main pedestrian and bicycle axes public water transport
connection scheme
Main axes are based in existing street pattern and leads to the water, thus opening the site to the river. Several public water transport stops are planned in the area, one of them - for connection between Riga city center and sea.
site plan
existing situation
new building structure
main street with greenary and water treatment structure
public nodes, urban based waterside
area of row houses
pedestrian and bicycle ways
proposed buildings
area surrounded with main streets - dams
public nature based waterside
pier
site plan
The development strategy is based on structure preserving transformation. Existing plots (mainly 17m x 17m) and street pattern is kept, thus creating a possibility of step-by-step development and taking into consideration the existing users of the area.
sections
Main axes are molded to make it possible to use them even in flood. Main streets serve as traces for engineer networks and are pedestrian and bicycle friendly. new floating building
section of a local street
bank of canal from concrete
section of access road
area that is surrounded by main streets - dams
section of the main street
new buildings
bank of canal from concrete
bank of canal from wooden piles
schemes of conversion process – from the water
Development process is triggered in the riverbank which is the area that is (should) be accessible to everyone and has the main quality potential. Further development process creates a succession of public nodes along the riverbank keeping the core of the area green.
scenario 1 – conversion process along the shoreline
Strategy defines tools and possibilities that guide the development process but the end result is open and is dependant on climate change, economical and social factors, a need for this kind of urban environment. There are several development scenarios and each of the development steps can be the end result. It is important that area is able to function today and is suited for today’s user.
scenario 2 – conversion process along main axes
scenario 3 – conversion process mainly around one public node
variations of unit (~17m x 17m) organization
In the same way as planning process units as well are designed to attract diverse users and new social groups. Variations of units take into consideration sunlight, garden and terrace orientation, size and placement. “backyard”
floating house with east terrace
garden
“backyard”
rotating floating house with south / west terrace
garden
“backyard”
floating house with south terrace
garden
“backyard”
rotating floating house with south / east terrace
“backyard”
garden
rotating floating house with south / east terrace
“backyard”
floating house with south terrace
garden + summer boat pier garden + boat’s winter storage
summer house + summer boat pier
all season house + boat’s winter storage summer house + boat’s winter storage
all season house + summer boat pier
variations of water units
Possibilities of water units have been explored more. Various water - land proportions are made in unit to house different lifestyles. Starting with land based unit, where the main function is garden with only small boat pier and ending with a unit that can house a water lifestyle, leaving land only for access and some secondary functions.
section 1-1
plan of 1st level
section 2-2
plan of 2nd level
example of a water unit
Floating summer house with boat’s winter storage has been detailed as an example. Building organization underlines the special character of the site.
building’s outer finish
light metal framework with insulation material
base of a building with insulation
wooden deck opportunity to walk around the house supporting structure concrete slabs for stability possibility of heat pump installation metal frame for the floating hull metal construction for deck steel hull - the floating base of building
constructive scheme of floating building
flooded garden area
Proposal is an elastic solution for this ever changing site and gives an opportunity to create a diverse and dynamic part of Riga, where blue and green structures and humans are in equilibrium.