To capture the developments that led to the Baltic way movement, the memorial aims at tracing the story from the period of extreme oppression through to a political awakening and growth leading to the ultimate victory and determination of the 3 independent countries. Countries that had strong roots but no identity wove a story of rising from the depths of despair and silent suffering, to a visible and celebrated status of nationhood.

Celebrating this inimitable and profound act of just holding hands to emphasize solidarity the Memorial features elements which pay homage to this noble protest.  

The sheer monumentality of the building rising from nothing to proclaim the strength of the people towers over the water front, visible from afar as a reminder that peace can win wars and succeed.  By creating a peoples’ place where everybody is equal and free to roam and rejoice is a tribute to their collective effort and a proclamation of that intense belief that “together we can do it”.

The complex seeks to bring together the people of Riga and leads them on to other areas of the site and other thoughts about their experiences there, both with regard to the power of its history and a new hope for the future. This idea is reflected in the architecture of the memorial too: a contemporary building within a historic context. To create a spiritual connect with the Memorial, the site allows visitors access from all directions and leads to courtyards and intimate spaces for meetings, discussions, appreciation and contemplation on how freedom was won silently and peacefully without resorting to force or arms. The courtyards have been sunk to enhance intimacy and privacy as the site is surrounded by roads and parking. No additional parking has been provided as the public transport facilities are nearby and pedestrian / cycle access is encouraged. The terracing on the NW side creates a sit out from where one can see across the river and appreciate the views and changing seasons.

The choice of materials and opacity reflects the function of the internal spaces with the walls for the shop and the exhibition left windowless to allow for displays. The café on the other hand is fully glazed allowing for natural light and views to the river. The café and exhibition space share a synergy with each other to create greater vibrancy. All the spaces are interlinked and independent.

Construction and Materials:

RCC frame structure with brick infill.

RCC roof.

Curtain walls in low E, double glazed, insulating glass.

Cladding in Italian stone compound tiles, joints filled with waterproof joint filler.

Heat insulation under roofing and inside walls.

Panel radiators within skirting.

Packed gravel and permeable concrete to enhance replenishment of ground water. Circular paving with grass infill around the shop to signify chains.

Sustainability strategies:

Rainwater harvesting.

Ground Source Heat Pumps for creating energy by utilizing solar heat stored within the earth.

PV solar panels on the roof: for both heating and as a primary source of energy.

An ice and snow, melting and drainage system.

Wind turbine??