Zunda Canal

Project Objective:

The development of the Zunda Canal examines the significance of the Daugava River from a historical and contemporary perspective, the potential for developing water transport by studying and taking into account the existing infrastructure in the city, the role of transport systems and pedestrians in the urban environment, based on the principles of sustainable development in the urban environment. The aim of the project is to create a multimodal transit station that would correspond to the image of a modern city and the city’s desire to create a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in Riga.

Final Outcome:

The design takes into account the most recent water levels observed in the Daugava River. The stable structure of the building is designed to be raised at least 1.2 meters above the water level, which ensures that the building will not flood even on the most critical days. The floating parts of the building and flexible connections – ramps are designed to be of such lengths that even at the lowest water level, the requirements for a 1:20 slope are met. As the water level rises, the floating ramps rise with it, reducing the slope but still providing easy access from the stable part of the pier to the deck of the boat.

The project envisages the creation of a multimodal transit station connecting several modes of transport. The shape of the building is made up of curved forms characterizing water, fluidity, movement, and dynamics. The facades of the buildings are decorated with copper-colored slats, symbolizing the now almost completely extinct importance of shipping on the Daugava River. The project also includes a connecting bridge that serves as a pedestrian bridge and connects both banks. The designed bridge not only provides functional improvements, but also gives the place an identity. Its constructive solutions are harmonized with the design of the building, finishing the load-bearing part of the bridge (ring) with copper finishing plates. There are rest areas with benches on the bridge, and there is an opening in the center of the bridge for watching boats. Within the framework of the project, planchettes, research documents and a model were developed.