view terrace + pavilion merges with the garden of destiny in latvia

view terrace + pavilion merges with the garden of destiny in latvia
all images courtesy of DJA

the ‘view terrace and pavilion’ by latvian architects didzis jaunzems and laura laudere in collaboration with jaunromans and abele behaves a platform for people to interact directly with nature. situated in ‘the garden of destiny’, a memorial park on krievkalna island, koknese in latvia, the site serves as a place to remember the country’s deceased over the last century. this sensitive place will be completed as a gift to the nation on its 100th birthday in year 2018. the project started as an architectural competition and with a help of donations is now the first realized building for the park.

extending outwards, the elevated terrace provides views over the daugava river, with multiple levels for people to experience the surrounding landscape. examining the flow and circulation of visitors around the site, particular attention was paid to its approach, so that the water beyond wasn’t concealed. the built form was shaped in order to preserve existing trees and features integrated benches and covered seating areas, which were positioned in spots with the best outlook.

the structure extends outwards with the natural topography of the land

different levels of the terrain were merged with the pavilion, following the sloping topography. the building is partly sunken into the ground to respect the views beyond and also provide comfortable access from its lowest point. the volume consists of a diverse range of open and closed spaces, giving people the opportunity to choose according to the weather and their mood. blending in with the existing landscape, the wooden structure gradually guides one onto the built form and back to nature again.

the pavilion offers an elevated platform to experience the river

the built form blends into its natural surroundings

the terrace incorporates different levels

open and closed spaces enable people to choose according to the weather and their mood

(left) covered space beneath the terrace platform
(right) views of the water are not concealed by the structure

aerial view of the pavilion

site plan

diagrams

site section

project info:

project name: view terrace and pavilion
project address: memorial park “the garden of destiny”, krievkalna island, koknese, latvia
projects architects: didzis jaunzems, laura laudere in collaboration with architecture office jaunromans and abele
photos: maris lapins
year: 2013

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