The international jury, comprised of four renowned architects, said that the extended old museum building has been made modern, bringing back long-forgotten facets of it and at the same time preserving its historical core.
"The use of attic and the basement is not only functional and pragmatic but also symbolical, stressing the continuity of culture, which is very important to the museum. The architectural use of materials is very thought-through and tailored to the building – it suits not only the current aesthetic trends but also Northern European traditions in employing glass, wood and stone with all the history and memories the materials encapsulate," the jury said.
The design for the extensive renovation came from Lithuanian architects "Processoffice" and included the excavation of a large subterranean space.
The total cost of the project was nearly €29m of which €16m came from Riga city council and €13m from European Union funds.
The museum was opened to the general public on May 4.
The remaining recipients of the yearly award are as follows:
- Dzintari Concert Hall (Jūrmala) - authored by SIA "Arhitektu birojs Jaunromāns un Ābele".
- Great Amber Hall (Liepāja) - authored by Folkers Gīnke.
- Malta Secondary School reconstruction - SIA "SAALS".
Click HERE to look at all the applicants of the award.
