Architecture and Urban Development of Art Nouveau—Metropolis riga

Abstract

Riga, the capital city of Latvia is a world heritage site since 1997. Its rich architectural heritage consists of buildings in a variety of styles, built in different periods from the Middle Ages up to the present day. Unlike many other cities, Riga has a very clearly perceptible, precise urban structure. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Riga experienced a real construction boom, which coincided with the development of Art Nouveau. Buildings of this style represent nearly one-third of the whole inventory of the city centre. Riga is a real Art Nouveau metropolis. Formal variety of Art Nouveau in Riga comprises Eclectic Decorative trend, co called Perpendicular Art Nouveau and National Romanticism. Primarily local architects were active in Riga, most of them being graduates of the Riga Polytechnical Institute. Functionalism or Modern Movement prevailed during Latvia's first period of independence. A new urban zone consisting of prefabricated panel blocks encircling the city's historical centre is the main consequence of the period of the soviet occupation. A new period in the development of architecture and urban development of Riga started after 1990, when country reclaimed its independence and a free market economy re-emerged.