Reconstruction of the historic Riga Circus Arena
Brief description of the project
The 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. The first phase of the Circus Quarter redevelopment includes energy efficiency improvements, which are also the source of funding for the project. The biggest challenge of the project was to carry out fundamental works on the building at the same time as the insulation project, which would not have to be revisited in the next phases of the redevelopment, as well as ensuring the functioning of the arena now. Continuing the tradition of non-standard construction that characterises historic buildings, No Rules Just Architecture, together with the engineers and builders, have realised an unusual full-timber dome structure, unique in the world, able to accommodate both the structural and work loads generated by different performance scenarios.
Originality and creativity of the idea
As the metal structure of the historic dome has lost its load-bearing capacity, a new network of columns and a CLT panel dome were built in parallel, keeping the historic structure unencumbered and exposed. The CLT panel dome is a particularly complex structure, as the panels are interconnected by individually designed elements and interlock to form a spherical, self-supporting shape. The CLT panels simultaneously ensure the structural stability of the dome, create a smooth, solid inner plane that requires no further finishing, and improve energy performance thanks to the integrity of the material. The methods used to rebuild the Arena are innovative and modern, while preserving and enhancing the existing historical values and authenticity of the building.
Definition of the problem and the relevance of the applied solutions
With the change of management of Riga Circus in 2017, there is also a change in thinking about the content of the Circus and the performances no longer employ animals. The Arena has been rebuilt to reflect the changes in content, as well as to address the critical technical condition of the building. The architectural and interior solutions have been created with the conviction that a contemporary circus structure should also visually reflect the unique function for which it is intended. The redevelopment of Riga Circus is faithful to the original unique function, while filling it with new, more contemporary content. The new Circus Arena is already the framework for a rich cultural programme that has replaced circus animals with party animals, and a niche cultural product with a more diverse and contemporary cultural offer. The unique method of conversion has met the challenges of content, technical and energy efficiency.
Co-creation, stakeholder involvement and cooperation during the realisation process
The project is characterised by close and successful cooperation between the client, architects and structural engineers. The client, interested and open-minded, was willing to be actively involved in the design and construction process, bringing in foreign experts to ensure the best possible conditions for the circus performers and visitors. The structural engineers were ready to take on a unique, complex and risky task - designing the first CLT dome in Latvia, looking for innovative solutions. The architects have succeeded in expressing the client's democratic, contemporary and inclusive values through the redevelopment project. During the construction process, successful non-standard solutions were achieved thanks to close cooperation and trust between the architect and the client.
Functionality and technological solutions
The CLT dome solution is an ingenious response to the building's technological, functional and energy efficiency challenges. The arena also features a new, secure suspension system that allows all the necessary fixings to be made in the dome area, as well as easy access to it. The dome has 76 suspension points, each of which can withstand a load of 6t, providing the technical requirements for a wide range of performances. During the refurbishment, insulation works were carried out and a new heating and ventilation system was introduced. The arena has been adapted to accommodate a wider range of cultural events, ensuring flexibility of space.
Aesthetics and other experiential dimensions
NRJA has followed the principle of "adding by removing" in its architectural and design solutions - by uncovering hidden historical layers, a new character of the space has been created, embodying the Circus building's 135 years of existence so far. The renovated arena is an example of radical preservation - peeling back the cultural layers that were ready to separate themselves in the teeth of time, avoiding hiding seemingly unaesthetic things behind cladding or repairing non-architectonic elements. The hidden dimension of the building - time - is revealed in a seemingly accidental way, refusing direct authorship over what to expose and what to keep hidden. The reconstruction has been carried out with respect for the historical heritage, not by creating imitations, but by creating modern constructions. The combination of different layers of history is able to create a true picture of the life cycle of a historic building and an authentic aesthetic experience.
Economic significance, sustainability and circularity
The redevelopment of the Riga Circus Arena is an example of how energy efficiency measures can be implemented in a meaningful way, providing functional, energy-efficient and aesthetic improvements for relatively little money. The original materials have been retained or reused as far as possible during the conversion. The timbers supporting the stands have been sawn into planks and used to clad the perimeter walls of the arena, and the notches, the edges, that were once made in the wood have been preserved, which now tell a story of history on the walls. In order to preserve the brickwork facades in the exterior, the perimeter walls are insulated from the inside, while the interior is made of preserved, carefully dismantled historic planks. A dismantled technical staircase is used as a symbolic accentuation of the entrance, the dismantled bricks in good condition are later used for the restoration of the walls.
Social relevance, inclusion, availability and accessibility
The Circus redevelopment project has expanded the public space available to the whole public in the area (courtyard), improved accessibility for people with functional disabilities, incorporated the needs of visually impaired visitors into the design of the navigation and made the Circus space accessible to a much wider range of cultural events. The values of equality are reflected in unnumbered seating - all circus-goers are equal, regardless of economic status. Through several performances, visitors have been introduced to the historic building, the upcoming changes and have received explanations about the new circus values. These social values are also embodied in the fair, democratic and open material space created by the architects.
Link to video or other link
https://youtu.be/K4okgIMATLo?si=hBnYFL7Eias2lEfS
