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Wood Slats Contrast and Flexible Spaces in a Vibrant Gathering Hub

Authors:
Inga Kruliene, shahab Heidari Faroughi, Keith Lindberg, Matthew Hart
Wood Slats Contrast and Flexible Spaces in a Vibrant Gathering Hub

Project in-detail

The use of wood slats on the facade creates a distinctive visual identity while accommodating flexible spaces for gatherings and events in Riga’s new exhibition and convention center.
5 key facts about this project
01
The entry plaza spans 1,240 square meters and encourages social interaction.
02
Flexible conference halls can be adapted for various event configurations.
03
Shared workspaces cater specifically to students and young professionals.
04
The facade integrates wood slats inspired by Baltic forest verticality.
05
An elevated hotel offers unique views of Riga's Old Town skyline.

The Riga Exhibition and Convention Center (RECC) is situated in the lively city of Riga, Latvia, designed as a versatile space for hosting a variety of events. It serves as a hub for conferences, exhibitions, and social gatherings, bringing together multiple functions. The design emphasizes connectivity and interaction, creating pathways that allow visitors to move freely between different areas within the center.

Entry Plaza

The design features an entry plaza that spans approximately 1,240 square meters and serves as the main point of access to the building. This large area is intentionally open to encourage visitor movement and create a friendly atmosphere. Shaded seating and greenery help to enhance the experience, making it a pleasant space for people to gather before entering the main facilities.

Large Conference Halls

Within the center are several large conference halls, totaling around 600 square meters. These flexible spaces are designed to accommodate a variety of events, allowing for different layouts and configurations. Whether hosting a large presentation or a smaller meeting, the halls provide the necessary adaptability. This makes the center suitable for diverse users, from corporate groups to community events.

Shared Workspaces

The design also includes shared workspaces aimed at students and young professionals. These areas support collaboration and creativity, responding to the rising demand for informal working environments. By placing these workspaces close to Riga Technical University, the center becomes a practical resource for the academic community, fostering connections among students and professionals.

Architectural Expression

The building's design reflects a modern take on the historical context of Riga. Its facade is adorned with wood slats, which echo the tall trees found in Baltic forests. This gives the center a unique character while grounding it in the local environment. The forms used in the entry plazas draw inspiration from the traditional pitched roofs commonly seen throughout the city.

An elevated hotel provides guests with views of the Old Town skyline, linking the center’s interior spaces to the surrounding urban landscape. The thoughtful integration of hospitality and event areas enhances the overall appeal of the center, creating a destination that serves multiple functions.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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