On 3 November, the Liepāja Future Districts Challenge will conclude with awards for the best development concepts for selected areas of the city. The initiative, launched by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, seeks new approaches to the development of underused areas in regional cities. This year, around 60 architecture students from four Latvian higher education institutions are taking part. At the final event students will be presenting their ideas.
Over five weeks, working in teams, they are developing proposals drawing on knowledge gained through lectures by Nordic architects. The team whose proposal best incorporates Nordic principles of urban planning will receive the Ambassadors’ Award. The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the municipality of Liepāja and local businesses: SIA Northside Business Park and SIA Kursas Kvartāls.
The event will be opened by Gunārs Ansiņš, Chairman of the Liepāja City Council, Nina Hvid Enevoldsen, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia, and the Nordic ambassadors. Their opening remarks will be followed by presentations showcasing Nordic experience and best practices in developing sustainable urban environments.
Participants will then move into interactive group work, developing practical ideas for specific locations in Liepāja within three thematic areas:
1. Attractive and green public spaces;
2. Energy solutions for buildings and urban neighbourhoods;
3. Smart city solutions.
The afternoon concludes with a pitch session where teams present their concepts to a jury. Winning ideas will receive awards, and all proposals will contribute to Liepāja’s vision of becoming a climate‑neutral, attractive and sustainable city.
We warmly invite everyone interested to join the workshop and become part of shaping Liepāja's green future.
Date and venue: 3 November, Concert Hall Lielais Dzintars, 8 Radio Street, Liepāja
The event is open for everyone, yet prior registration is required: here
