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, 60 architecture students from four Latvian universities are taking part: the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, RISEBA University and Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. Members of the public with prior registration are welcome to attend the final event and watch the students to pitch their ideas.
Over six weeks, working in teams, students 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 pitch sessions will be opened by Gunārs Ansiņš, Mayor of Liepaja City and Nina Hvid Enevoldsen, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Latvia. The event will also be attended by Tina Saaby, former city architect of Copenhagen.
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. Integrating industrial areas into the urban fabric.
Winning ideas will receive awards and all proposals will contribute to Liepāja’s vision of becoming a climate‑neutral and sustainable city.
We warmly invite everyone interested to join the pitch sessions.
Date and venue: 3 November, Concert Hall Lielais Dzintars, 8 Radio Street, Liepāja
The event is open for everyone, yet prior registration is required (places are limited): here
