Processoffice and Andrius Skiezgelas Architecture
Renovation of the Latvian National Museum of Art. Category: public building
Design: 2012
Construction: 2016
Address: Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 10, Riga, Latvia
Processoffice: Vytautas Biekša, Rokas Kilčiauskas, Marius Kanevičius, Giedrius Špogis, Ježi Stankevič, Austė Kuliešiūtė, Miglė Nainytė, Giedrė Datenytė, Mantas Petraitis, Sandra Dumčiūtė, Povilas Marozas, Sandra Šlepikaitė
Andrius Skiezgelas Architecture: Andrius Skiezgelas, Gilma Teodora Gylytė, Rasa Mizaraitė
After working together for six years, the architects Vytautas Biekša, Rokas Kilčiauskas and Marius Kanevičius decided to join forces and set up an architectural firm in 2007. Processoffice, the name of the practice, reflects its philosophy of architecture as a continuing process. The firm’s architects create innovative, stable and contemporary architecture, and collaborate with other architects and specialists from various disciplines.
Processoffice won the competition for the renovation of the Latvian National Museum of Art in 2010. Their project stood out from among the other entries in the competition because they proposed making minimal changes to the existing building, while preserving its historic character and original details. The functional scenario of the building was rearranged, and the spatial potential of the museum was maximally utilised. In order to expand the space of the building, a subtle and unassuming form of contemporary expression was chosen. A subterranean space was designed, with a glass atrium, allowing a glimpse into the museum’s interior life. It can also be used as a small amphitheatre. The team had to overcome a number of technical and creative challenges in carrying out the project. In spite of the difficulties faced, the museum, which opened its doors again in 2016, impresses one with its respect for heritage, its bold functional solutions and distinctive aesthetic. The project was nominated for a Mies van der Rohe Award and won prizes in Lithuania and Latvia.