5 key facts about this project
The Great Ķemeri Bog Visitor Centre is proposed within Ķemeri National Park, Latvia, as a study for a facility that mediates between the active environment of a nearby motorway and the quiet bog landscape. The design seeks to gradually guide visitors into the natural setting, promoting awareness and engagement with the ecosystem. Its form and layout respond to the local topography and vegetation, fostering a sensitive connection between people and the surrounding environment.
Spatial Strategy
The centre is organized around two separate buildings, linked by an earth berm that defines arrival and recreational zones. Distinct areas accommodate an information centre, gallery space, café, and visitor amenities such as showers and toilets. A green wall at the entrance introduces native plants, while a sheltered terrace extends the café outdoors. Recreational elements, including a playground, beach volleyball court, and a platform mimicking a bog environment with a central birch tree, provide multiple opportunities for interaction and observation of the landscape.
Materiality and Sustainability
Structural and finish materials are selected for durability and ecological performance. Reclaimed electrical poles form part of the structure, while rainwater harvested from roofs is used for the café and restrooms. The roof design evokes a forest canopy, aligning with surrounding trees to offer shelter and visual continuity. The overall material strategy supports environmental responsibility while integrating functional facilities with the natural context.
                                            
                                            
                                            
                                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                            
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
			
                        
			
                        
			
                        
			
                        
			
                        
                                                    
									



