On September 6, landscape professionals and architects attended a lecture by the renowned Danish landscape architect Torben Schønherr. He shared professional stories on creating aesthetically valuable environments that are accessible to people of all ages in places with high cultural and historical value.
The lecture by the acclaimed architect, landscape architect and urban planning specialist was organised in collaboration with the Latvian Association of Architects. It thematically aligned with and enriched the annual European Heritage Days programme since this year's overarching theme focused on the accessibility and safety of cultural heritage. At the lecture, the architect introduced his works in high-value cultural heritage sites, explaining the tasks and challenges that required comprehensive solutions. Torben is a renowned professional not only due to his technical expertise, but also for his passion in preserving, highlighting and making historical values accessible.
In the opening remarks, our colleague Daina Mežecka, Advisor on Social Welfare and Civil Society, introduced the architect, sharing a personal story about their first meeting at the 2018 Nordic Conference, which was dedicated to creating urban environments comfortable for all generations. For several decades, Torben has broadened the perspectives of professionals with his inspiring stories, encouraging them to reconsider seemingly ordinary details. These often require neither large investments nor complex solutions; yet they have the potential to transform urban environments – both historic sites and new developments – into spaces that are thoughtful and inclusive for all groups of society.
During the lecture, Torben urged participants to think beyond practical aspects, such as ensuring access to buildings for wheelchair users, and consider also the emotional impact of the architectural solutions. To illustrate his point, Torben showed a photo depicting a standard ramp that was built at the entrance of a historic building to overcome a height difference of only 10–15 cm. The ramp did not fit with the overall appearance of the building. Every object and circumstances are different; yet in most cases, just like the one in his example, more aesthetic and convenient solutions were possible.
The architect explained this approach through two core values that guide him when starting a new project: dignity and beauty. He views dignity not just as the preservation of historical values and ensuring access for as many people as possible, but also as the ability to empathise with the lives of different people to understand their everyday challenges. The ease of movement and accessibility are expression of fundamental level of care and attention. The next step for professionals is to design solutions that do not highlight differences, but rather create an inclusive environment for everyone.
Torben has gained professional recognition through his work on several historically significant sites, including the square at the Ribe Cathedral in Denmark’s oldest town, the historic old town of Viborg, Hilke’s medieval church, the historic Mensted limestone quarries, and many other projects.
The second day of the two-day conference on October 1 organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia in collaboration with the Welfare Department of the Riga City Council will continue expanding on the matter. It will be devoted to the city planning – creating sustainable living spaces adaptable for all generations, universal design, and urban elements that enhance the well-being and inclusion of residents of all ages.
Registration: https://forms.gle/KLtYwKei277do3dEA.
In-person registration is open until September 23.
To learn more about the conference, click here.
Photo: Elza Elīza Vītola, Latvian Association of Architects
