The final jury has evaluated the entries in the second round of the competition and selected the best designers in the product, communication, environment, digital solutions and service design categories. Out of 58 nominees, 20 entries have made it to the final round: five entries in the communication, product and environmental design categories, four in the service design category and one in the digital solution category. The winner of each category as well as the Grand Prix winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 24 May 2024 at 19.00 at Riga Circus.
A total of 127 entries were submitted for the National esign Award of Latvia 2024 , from which the selection jury nominated 58 entries for the second round of the competition, which were evaluated in intense discussions by the members of the final jury, who met in person on 21 and 22 May at LIAA Creative Industries Representative Office. The final jury consisted of five experienced design professionals. Alongside Latvian representatives, the entries were judged by two foreign experts:
Regina Hanke (Berlin, Germany) — professor in communication design and design management, co-founder of LEILA, Germany's leading medical information and decision support app, member of the BEDA Board;
Maria Azzurra Rossi (Rome, Italy) — designer and architect, co-founder of PR and communication agency Mint List;
Ieva Zībārte — architect and author, New European Bauhaus expert, Head of the Development and Construction Project Management Department of the municipal capital company Rīgas Nami;
Edgars Zvirgzdiņš — designer, founder of design studio Associates, Partners et Sons and co-founder of loudspeaker brand Aretai;
Dārta Apsīte — communication designer and creative director.
The final jury evaluated the entries according to the evaluation criteria defined in the competition rules:
- originality and creativity of the idea,
- the defined problem and task(s), and the chosen solutions to solve the problem,
- co-creation, stakeholder involvement and cooperation in the work process,
- functionality and technological solution,
- aesthetics and other dimensions of quality of experience,
- economic relevance, sustainability, and circularity,
- social relevance, inclusion, availability and accessibility.
The judging of the finalists will also include live presentations of the entries to the jury on 23 May 2024 from 10.00 to 14.00 at the Pauls Stradins Museum of the Pauls Stradiņš Medicine History Museum. The final jury will then continue its deliberations to decide on the winner of each category and the Grand Prix winner, who will be selected from among the category winners. The competition will end with an award ceremony on 24 May 2024 at 19.00 at Riga Circus.
Finalists
Communication design
«We looked at a wide range of projects, 17 pieces ranging from visual identities to cultural communication campaigns, from complex editorial projects and publications to high-impact advertising campaigns. The choice fell on five projects that are able to communicate in a simple way to a wide range of audiences, combining Latvian identity and different levels of communication. Thanks to their attention to detail, these projects manage to reach both the local and wider public, including the international jury members, even without literal translation of the content,» the jury says of the finalists in the Communication Design category.
- «Riga Pride 2023 - Bloom!». Author — Artūrs Meļņiks and Māra Čaure. Contractor — LGBT and their friends «Mozaīka». «Mozaīka».
- National celebration communication campaign in Riga. Authors - Kristiāna Marija Sproģe, Dārta Apsīte, Dārta Sakārne. Contractor - Riga City Council.
- The book «When war becomes personal». Author - Gatis Šulcs. Contractor - Juris Alberts Ulmanis.
- «STYLE - TEXTILE» campaign. Author— «Magic». Contractor — «Eco Baltia vide».
- Riga's Summer of Courage and Joy 2023 Authors — Valters Kalsers and NGO «Mākslas birojs». Contractor — Riga City Council.
Product design
«From the 16 projects shortlisted by the jury for the second round, we have selected five finalists, demonstrating different levels of product development - from finished prototypes to commercially available products. All of these entries demonstrate a deep empathy for the user, as well as for traditions and local characteristics, interpreted in a contemporary way, also with a global audience in mind,» the final jury evaluates.
- «M–Arts» designed bike seat for children. Aauthor and contractor - Marts Erdmanis.
- «Gateris Works» furniture collection. Author and contractor — «Gateris Works».
- Electric scooter Bee Electric. Author and contractor — Aldis Kalniņš.
- Pre-Loved biotextile. Authors — Sarmīte Poļakova and Māra Bērziņa. Contractor — «Studio Sarmite».
- Riga tile pattern scarves. Author and contractor - Karola Rubene.
Digital solution design
«We live in a hybrid state - digital and analogue, and everything in between. The four projects we evaluated highlighted this hybridity. If we look at design as a profession that provides solutions to problems - the entries ranged from art to commercial projects. As a jury, we decided to choose the work that convinced us in all aspects - from a great idea and personal engagement to a clever application of behavioural UX design insights,» the final jury comments.
- Ziedojumu platformas Ukrainas atbalstam «Stopify» risinājums. Authors of the work on voluntary initiative - Māris Upenieks, Mārcis Miķelsons-Germs, Miks Miķelsons.
Service design
«Service design is good if you don't even realise there is design in it. It should come naturally and be as unobtrusive as possible. But it is crucial when it comes to activation, information or education processes and the future of society. That's why the jury selected four finalists from six different service design approaches,» the final jury explains.
- «Stopify», the donation platform for Ukraine». Authors on their own initiative — Māris Upenieks, Mārcis Miķelsons–Germs, Miks Miķelsons.
- Children's programme «In The Footsteps of Mischief». Authors — «Overpriced», «Gateris Works», Ziedonis museum. Contractor — Ziedonis museum.
- LMA Design Summer School «Design Activism: interventions for eco-social challenges» Authors — Rūta Jumīte and Ieva Laube. Contractor — Art Academy of Latvia.
- Hurricane simulator attraction «Beat The Storm». Idejas autors — Ingus Augstkalns, projekta vadītājs — Rihards Dziedātājs, projektētājs — SIA «WeMPS», galvenais mākslinieks — Kristians Rukuts, arhitekte — Līva Kalniņa. Darba pasūtītājs — «Universe Science Park», Dānija.
Environmental design
«From the 16 shortlisted projects (15 were originally submitted, but one was moved from the Communication Design category to the Environment category), we selected five works that, through analogue experiences, meaningfully shape the environment in which we live. Community and participation are not only about being together, but also about fostering and stimulating togetherness,» the final jury comments.
- Cafe «Pitrag's Stop». Author — «MADE architects».Contractor — «Sur Mer».
- Reconstruction of the historic Rīgas cirks arena Author — NRJA (No Rules Just Architecture). Contractor — Rīgas cirks
- Exhibition Cosmic Dancer. Author — Dace Sūna. Contractor — Design Academy of Eindhoven.
- Dailes theatre forecourt. Authors — MADE Architects in collaboration with Evelīna Ozola and Edgars Zvirgzdiņš. Contractor — State Real Estate, Riga City Council Property Department.
- Latvian Pavilion T/C Latvia at the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale «T/C Latvija» Authors — Ernests Cerbulis, Ints Menģelis, Toms Kampars, Karola Rubene, Uldis Jaunzems-Pētersons, Austra Bērziņa and Kalvis Kidals. Contractor — Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia
The Latvian pavilion at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale is a supermarket where architecture merges with shopping culture. The exhibition calls for free communication in a space that is similarly perceived and understood around the world. The exhibition consists of 506 unique products, created by the authors with the help of artificial intelligence from ideas taken from the national pavilions of the last ten Venice Biennale architecture exhibitions. The graphic identity of the pavilion is designed to give visitors an immediate association with a grocery store. The message was conveyed in an attractive way, with bright colours, geometric shapes, and the use of strong typefaces.
Upcoming events of the National Design Award of Latvia 2024 final:
Award finalist presentations
23 May, 10.00-14.00 at Pauls Stradiņš Medicine History Museum
The National Design Award of Latvia 2024 award ceremony
24 May at 19.00 Riga Circus
To attend the National Design Award of Latvia 2024 ceremony, please register.
The National Design Award of Latvia is the highest design award in Latvia, presented with the aim of identifying, evaluating and promoting the achievements of Latvian designers, as well as encouraging the use of design created in Latvia and the development of the design industry. The National Design Award of Latvia was established in 2017 with the support of the Ministry of Culture. It is organised by the Latvian Design Centre until May 2025.
The Latvian Design Centre is a member of the European Design Associations (BEDA) and an official partner of the European Commission's strategic initiative "New European Bauhaus". The Latvian Design Centre participates in national design policy-making, research and education by initiating cooperation and strategic partnerships with other design organisations, designers, companies and design users. With the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Latvian Design Centre maintains the creative industries communication platform "FOLD".
Finalists' work descriptions
Communication design
Riga Pride 2023 — Bloom campaign
Author — Artūrs Meļņiks and Māra Čaure. Contractor — LGBT and their friends «Mozaīka». «Mozaīka».
Riga Pride aimed to create vibrant, festive, welcoming, and inclusive communication, reflecting Pride's evolution from a protest to a celebration of diversity. Flowers have played a significant role in the history of the LGBTQIA+ community since the 6th century BC, when the ancient Greek writer Sappho wrote a poem to her lover, associating her with violets. Throughout history, the community has often resorted to covert methods of communication to connect with others like themselves. Drawing inspiration from the Victorian secret language of flowers, the concept illuminates the history of community and clandestine communication methods, fostering educational and inclusive communication that celebrates the diversity within our society.
National day communication campaign in Riga
Authors - Kristiāna Marija Sproģe, Dārta Apsīte, Dārta Sakārne. Contractor - Riga City Council.
As part of this year's National Celebration Month communication campaign, Riga was covered with Latvia's rich weaving heritage — 12 woven blankets from all of Latvia's cultural and historical regions. Posters with photographs of the quilts introduced the city's citizens to an unexplored branch of cultural heritage and celebrated the weaving tradition that has helped Latvian artisans continue the Latvian tradition even in times when freely chosen means of artistic expression were restricted in Latvia for ideological reasons. The aim of the campaign was to show that Latvia's national symbols extend beyond the anthem, flag, most popular Latvian signs, and coat of arms, which are widely used in the visual communication space during National Celebration Month. The concept of the campaign was developed by Darta Apsīte, Kristiāna Marija Sproģe, and Dārta Sakārne in collaboration with the authors of two books — the Latvian National Centre for Culture and Signe and Rauls Vēliņi.
The book «When war becomes personal».
Author - Gatis Šulcs. Contractor - Juris Alberts Ulmanis.
Latvian serviceman and mountaineer Juris Alberts Ulmanis' book When War Becomes Personal collects 26 stories about his experiences while delivering equipment and helping Ukrainian soldiers. Expressive illustrations enhance the message of each story, and the design of the book is rough and laconic, in tune with the harsh realities of war.
«STYLE - TEXTILE» campaign.
Author — «Magic». Contractor — «Eco Baltia vide».
The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sorting textile waste and promoted the use of textile drop-off containers. To ensure maximum visibility, the campaign cleverly repurposed the Latvian rapper Ozols' recent hit Style into Textile. This involved not only modifying the lyrics and message to align with the campaign's objectives but also reworking the existing video clip. By repurposing existing communication materials in this way, the campaign effectively captured attention and conveyed its message in a memorable and engaging manner.
Riga's Summer of Courage and Joy 2023
Authors — Valters Kalsers and NGO «Mākslas birojs». Contractor — Riga City Council.
For the second year, the Riga Summer of Courage and Joy cultural programme was held in the capital, inviting people to explore the city's neighbourhoods, meet their neighbours, and enjoy a diverse range of contemporary cultural events. This year, the Riga Summer of Courage and Joy communication campaign highlighted the uniqueness, history, and culture of each neighbourhood. The graphic design symbolically incorporated the neighbourhoods' identifiers, such as the Zolitūde Hippodrome, the Čiekurkalns water tower, the Tornakalns railway bridges, and the blue spring flowers of the Great Cemetery in Brasa.
Product design
"M-Arts" design bike seat for children
Aauthor and contractor - Marts Erdmanis.
The M-Arts children's bike seat combines functionality and aesthetics. It is safe, comfortable, and, thanks to the elastic cord weave, the seat has significantly reduced wind resistance, which has a negative impact on riding dynamics. And the tubular frame design brings the seat stylistically closer to the aesthetics of classic bicycles.
«Gateris Works» furniture collection
Author and contractor - «Gateris Works».
Gateris Works furniture is based on the study of the Latvian visual code and its transformation into objects of everyday use. Inspired by the vernacular carpentry often found in rural areas, a language of forms was created that presents the naive and often clumsy origins of furniture in an elegantly modern way. The furniture is robust and somewhat primitive, giving voice to an aesthetic that is inaudible in the face of innovation and technology but reflects Latvian identity throughout.
Electric scooter «Bee Electric»
Author and contractor — Aldis Kalniņš.
Be Electric is a simple, comfortable, and silent moped powered by an electric motor, comparable to a bicycle. The frame of the moped is made of curved metal tubes and complemented with plywood parts, which is a popular material for the design of various products in Latvia. The position of the battery behind the handlebars, where regular mopeds have a fuel tank, evokes the sentiment of childhood mopeds in the countryside or in a suburban garage. However, the moped is equipped with the latest generation battery, a powerful and quiet electric motor, and running gear components that are built for long and intensive use in a wide range of conditions. The Bee Electric's combination of geometry, speed, and mass gives a feeling of accessibility, safety, and predictability to riders of all ages and experience levels, while its design is modern, minimal, and concise. Bee Electric enables cycling on routes designed for bicycles, can be carried on public transport, and, if necessary, can be placed in the boot of a car or bus.
«Pre–Loved» biotextile
Authors — Sarmīte Poļakova and Māra Bērziņa. Contractor — «Studio Sarmite».
«Pre-Loved» biotekstils, no 2024. gada «(Un)woven biotextiles», ir ilgtspējīgs materiāls, kas izgatavots no pārstrādātām tekstila šķiedrām un piemērots modes, interjera un produktu dizaina vajadzībām. Izturīgais, neaustais materiāls izceļas ar tā augstvērtīgo dizainu un estētiskajām kvalitātēm, kā arī ir atkārtoti pārstrādājams. «(Un)woven biotextiles» iespējams sadalīt, lai tā šķiedras varētu izmantot atkal un atkal no jauna. Dizaineres ir radījušas savu produktu dizaina kolekciju – sēdmēbeles un sienas paneļus, kā arī sadarbojušās ar tādiem ražotājiem un dizaineriem kā «Nat–2» – apavi, «Been London» – plecu somas, «Hirsch» – pulksteņu siksniņas. Sadarbībā ar latviešu dizaineriem «Mareunrol’s», radītas divu izmēru vestes – mazākā izgatavota no lielās vestes atgriezumiem, tādā veidā uzsverot materiāla pārstrādājamību.
Riga tile pattern scarves
Author and contractor - Karola Rubene.
The lobbies and staircases of pre-war and early 20th-century houses in Riga hide historical treasures — wall and floor tiles with ornaments inspired by Art Nouveau, neoclassicism, the ancient world, floral patterns, and geometric shapes. Something fragile and heavy has been transformed into the opposite — a light, soft scarf that flutters in the breeze. This accessory celebrates Riga's historical and cultural heritage. The scarves are accompanied by the designer's artistic interpretation of the tiles, as well as the location of the specific tile pattern.
Digital solution design
Ziedojumu platformas Ukrainas atbalstam «Stopify» risinājums
Work authors and contractor — Māris Upenieks, Mārcis Miķelsons-Germs, Miks Miķelsons.
In February 2022, Russia brutally attacked Ukraine. At first, the civilised world was united in support, but as time passed, enthusiasm slowly began to wane — it became clear that the war would not end soon. So in their spare time, three friends working in communications started thinking: What could we do about it? They came up with a very simple idea. Nowadays, we subscribe to various streaming services to watch TV series and films for a monthly sum equal to the cost of a couple of coffee cups. What if you could subscribe to something more important? The security, freedom, and future of Ukraine and, by extension, of ourselves? Meet Stopify. A platform that allows you to «stream» a small monthly donation to help the Ukrainian army end this war sooner. Visually, it looks like a typical streaming service, but instead of watching TV series, you can learn about the equipment needed by the Ukrainian army and make a decision to donate.
Service design
«Stopify», the donation platform for Ukraine»
Authors on their own initiative — Māris Upenieks, Mārcis Miķelsons–Germs, Miks Miķelsons.
In February 2022, Russia brutally attacked Ukraine. At first, the civilised world was united in support, but as time passed, enthusiasm slowly began to wane — it became clear that the war would not end soon. So in their spare time, three friends working in communications started thinking: What could we do about it? They came up with a very simple idea. Nowadays, we subscribe to various streaming services to watch TV series and films for a monthly sum equal to the cost of a couple of coffee cups. What if you could subscribe to something more important? The security, freedom, and future of Ukraine and, by extension, of ourselves? Meet Stopify. A platform that allows you to «stream» a small monthly donation to help the Ukrainian army end this war sooner. Visually, it looks like a typical streaming service, but instead of watching TV series, you can learn about the equipment needed by the Ukrainian army and make a decision to donate.
Children's programme In The Footsteps of Mischief
Authors - «Overpriced», «Gateris Works», Ziedonis Museum. Commissioned by the Ziedonis Museum.
Is there a home for Funis the Dog? Now there is! The museum of the Latvian poet Imants Ziedonis has launched a children's programme that springs from the character of Funis the Dog and invites children to explore the museum's territory and solve a series of puzzles, hiding places, and tasks based on the poet's fairy tales. A children's house with furniture adapted to the needs of the youngest has been set up in the Ziedonis Museum area, and various tasks are scattered throughout. New wooden furniture has also been added to the museum's range of outdoor facilities, and a navigation system has been created for ease of movement.
LMA Design Summer School «Design Activism: interventions for eco-social challenges»
Authors — Rūta Jumīte and Ieva Laube. Contractor — Art Academy of Latvia.
In June 2023, the Design Activism: Interventions for Eco-Social Challenges Summer School unfolded at the Design Department of the Art Academy of Latvia and Vidzeme Market. This immersive programme aimed to equip design students with innovative and critical design methodologies crucial in confronting contemporary climate and biodiversity crises. Through a multidisciplinary approach, participants delved into developing interventions that creatively tackled eco-social urban challenges, transcending conventional human-centric perspectives.
Hurricane simulator attraction «Beat The Storm»
Author of the idea — Ingus Augstkalns, project manager — Rihards Dziedātājs, designer — WeMPS, main artist — Kristians Rukuts, architect — Līva Kalniņa. Contractor — Universe Science Park, Denmark.
"Beat The Storm" is a unique attraction designed for fun and education - visitors can experience winds up to Category 2 hurricane strength (165 km/h) in a safe environment. Through the joy of discovery and play, Beat The Storm stimulates interest in science and physics. This adventure is made possible by recirculating tunnel technology, which directs a controlled flow of air. Beat The Storm is suitable for amusement parks, science parks and museums, for both indoor and outdoor installations. The first two installations have been installed at "Universe Science Park" in Denmark. The double version of the Wind Tunel can handle four people at the same time, with a throughput of up to 300 people per hour.
Environmental design
Café Pitrags Stop
Author — «MADE architects».Contractor — «Sur Mer».
Pitrags Stop is an information point and café housed within the former passage building of a fish factory, where the existing aesthetics have been preserved and enhanced with contemporary design and functional elements. The meeting space maintains the original silicate brick structure, complemented by metal and wood cladding that seamlessly integrates with the industrial context. The pavilion features a dynamic design: during the summer months, the open roof shields expand the area for interaction and gatherings, while in the quieter seasons, closed shields provide shelter and seating for travellers.
Reconstruction of the historic Rīgas cirks arena
Author — NRJA (No Rules Just Architecture). Contractor — Rīgas cirks
The Rīgas cirks (Riga Circus) building, designed in 1888 by architect Janis Frīdrihs Baumanis, is one of the oldest in Europe, the only permanent circus building in the Baltic States, and an architectural monument of national importance. The renovation of the circus arena is the first step towards the redevelopment of the circus quarter into a multifunctional cultural venue. Phase 1 of the circus quarter redevelopment included energy efficiency improvements. The biggest challenge was to carry out the fundamental work on the building as the insulation project, so that it would not have to be revisited in the next phases of the redevelopment and so that the arena could function now. Continuing the tradition of non-standard construction that characterises the historic building, an unusual and globally unique mass-timber dome structure was implemented.
Exposition «Cosmic Dancer»
Author — Dace Sūna. Contractor — Design Academy of Eindhoven.
Since the first detonation of the atomic bomb in 1945, humanity has entered a nuclear age where we confront not only our personal mortality but also the potential demise of civilisation itself. Cosmic Dancer stands as an immersive installation, beckoning visitors into a contemplative exploration of life's cyclical journey: from creation, preservation, and destruction to eventual rebirth. Positioned around a central pool of water, participants are drawn to a single droplet, symbolising the elemental particles of existence. Through focused observation of this water droplet's perpetual journey — its metamorphosis, self-awareness, and navigation through space — the boundaries of individual consciousness dissolve, giving rise to a profound sense
Dailes Theatre forecourt
Authors — MADE Architects in collaboration with Evelīna Ozola and Edgars Zvirgzdiņš. Contractor — State Real Estate, Riga City Council Property Department.
The redevelopment of the Dailes Theatre Square marks a transformative shift in priorities for this public space, prioritising pedestrian comfort and well-being above all else. While preserving the architectural composition, landscaping principles, and materials that reflect the theatre's modernist spirit, the project introduces a new strategy for pedestrian movement and leisure. The aim is to create an environment that is accessible and safe for all by eliminating unnecessary obstacles and steps, increasing greenery, enhancing nighttime lighting, implementing sustainable rainwater drainage systems, and improving the visual communication of the theatre within the urban landscape.
Latvian Pavilion T/C Latvia at the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale «T/C Latvija»
Authors — Ernests Cerbulis, Ints Menģelis, Toms Kampars, Karola Rubene, Uldis Jaunzems-Pētersons, Austra Bērziņa and Kalvis Kidals. Contractor — Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia
The Latvian pavilion at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale is a supermarket where architecture merges with shopping culture. The exhibition calls for free communication in a space that is similarly perceived and understood around the world. The exhibition consists of 506 unique products, created by the authors with the help of artificial intelligence from ideas taken from the national pavilions of the last ten Venice Biennale architecture exhibitions. The graphic identity of the pavilion is designed to give visitors an immediate association with a grocery store. The message was conveyed in an attractive way, with bright colours, geometric shapes, and the use of strong typefaces.