Transformation of Historic Industrial Areas in Riga

Abstract

The aim of this research is to characterize the transformation processes of historic industrial areas in Riga. The research was
done by using appropriate methods what include review of literature, field studies, expert interviews and GIS methods. Historic industrial
areas comprise significant part of the built-up area in Riga and they form a specific urban environment in particular neighborhoods in
terms of historical and cultural heritage. These sites emerged and developed during the rapid industrial growth from 1860s to 1910s
when Riga became an important industrial centre of the Baltic region. These areas were mostly used for industrial purposes before
deindustrialization after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Economic growth and construction boom in the early 2000s initiated
redevelopment and transformation of the historic industrial sites into premises for commercial, residential and retail use. Such urban
regeneration processes resulted in emergence of new desirable urban spaces while the number of urban brownfield sites decreased.
However, significant part of historical and cultural heritage was lost, because in most cases preservation of these values was not topical.
In this context urban regeneration processes have to be evaluated as an important approach for further urban development of Riga.