energetic orange adorns the zuzeum art center in riga, designed by annvil

occupying an old cork factory in the heart of riga, latvia, is a multifunctional art center designed by annvil. positioned between the city’s historical center, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the upcoming ‘rail baltica’ railway, the reopened building intends to bring new life to the industrial neighborhood of zuzeum.

images by norbert tukaj

‘an influx of energy is being encouraged that will attract people and help revitalize this part of the city. this is a very important moment for the city, and it also encourages new discussion – to go beyond just preserving existing buildings and to instead evaluate the possibilities of adaptive reuse by injecting these buildings with new functions and, consequently, bringing new life into them,’ says anna bates (nee butele), author of the project and founder of annvil, interior architecture office, that has designed the reconstruction, territory development plans, facilities, and interior of the historical building.

‘with the opening of zuzeum, riga has acquired a new and unused public outdoor space, that is a significant investment in the physical, social, economic, symbolic and aesthetic development of the city. zuzeum outdoor space is made as a purposeful meeting place where different social groups interact, form relationships, and strengthen a sense of community. with this concept, we are offering a new communal space in the city, where private and public coalesce – meet, share, debate, converge, relax, make friends, and discoveries,’ explains annvil’s founder.

the program for zuzeum is spread over 43055.64 ft2 (4,000 m2). it includes two galleries, a sculpture garden, a workshop area, cafe, roof terrace, and an art shop. ‘the multifunctional approach increases the occupancy of the building and provides effective use of the building throughout the day,’ emphasizes bates. when creating the interior, the annvil designer has considered the values that the art center wants to pass on to visitors and how the space will affect the people who will visit it. ‘the purpose of the interior is to curate an interaction between people,’ she explains.

the interior and overall identity of zuzeum is defined by the color orange. signifying strength, adventure, power and energy, orange has been selected to provoke communication, dialogue, and social interaction. at the same time, the shade aims to stimulate physical and mental processes that trigger the flow of thoughts and human actions. the bold hue also brings spontaneity and positivity, encouraging visitors to look on the bright side of life.

founded in 2017 by dina and jānis zuzāns, prominent collectors of latvian, russian, and international art, zuzeum is a new addition to the arts infrastructure of the baltic sea region, providing a unique space for debate and cultural exchange, and public access to the growing zuzāns collection. zuzeum’s inaugural program includes the exhibition ‘we aim to live’.