Architecture project // Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Enhancing Community Engagement in Multifunctional Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Enhancing Community Engagement in Multifunctional Spaces

Authors:

Gina Andreou, Ben Hawkins, Georgia Hamilton, Pip Philips

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates interconnected multifunctional spaces that promote community interaction and flexibility for various events.

5 key facts about this project

Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and sustainability.

Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a unique aesthetic.

Features a flexible auditorium design to accommodate various seating arrangements and events.

Includes landscaped roof gardens that support local biodiversity and microclimates.

Offers extensive glass facades that promote natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings.

General keywords

riga latvia exhibition pavilion community conference space flexibility sustainability landscape

Project specific keywords

timber glass permeability movable auditoriums greenroof native flexibility landscaping plaza

### Project Overview

Kip Island Pavilions is situated on the west side of Riga, Latvia, adjacent to the Riga International Exhibition Centre (RIEC). This design aims to revitalize the center as a multifunctional community hub for exhibitions, conferences, and performance spaces. Through an emphasis on sustainability and adaptable spaces, the pavilions serve to enhance the site's utility and encourage community engagement.

### Spatial Configuration

The pavilions are strategically laid out to facilitate permeability and movement across the site. Key access points create connections between the various structures, promoting interactions among visitors and reinforcing community ties. The layout incorporates multifunctional spaces, allowing for the hosting of a wide range of activities, from formal conferences to informal gatherings. An integral feature is the central plaza that acts as a communal gathering space, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor environments to encourage social interaction.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The architectural design employs a selection of materials that reflect both modern sustainability goals and the historical context of Latvian architecture. Timber frames are utilized for their sustainability and design flexibility, while extensive use of glass enhances natural light and connectivity throughout the pavilions. Steel serves as a structural support, providing durability. Landscape elements include native plants, which foster biodiversity and improve microclimates around the buildings. These choices underscore a commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing the aesthetic quality of the development.

The pavilions feature versatile auditoriums with varied configurations, an exhibition area adaptable to different layouts, and conference rooms that incorporate balconies for outdoor views. The landscaped roof gardens contribute to environmental sustainability and aesthetic appeal, creating an inviting atmosphere that promotes user interaction and engagement.