mailītis A.I.I.M. develop plan for disused brewery in cesis, latvia

mailītis A.I.I.M. has developed a proposal which would make use of a disused brewery in cesis, latvia by transforming the area into a place where young scientists, artists and professionals could meet and collaborate. the architects wish to open the brewery grounds towards the nearby castle park and square and to create an axis that connects all buildings and main functions of the complex: exhibition halls, workshops, administration, utility rooms and accommodation. the buildings which are in poor technical condition, can be demolished, which would free up space for a central terrace whilst opening up wider views to the castle park.

the proposal makes use of an existing brewery in cesis, latvia

cesis beer brewery is located at the very center of the town, and its structure links to the industrial heritage of the 18th, 19th and 20th century. in 2000, beer production was moved to a new factory, and the old brewery has not been use since then. the interconnected buildings stand empty and are mostly closed to the public — with some exceptions during the annual cesis art festival. the owner of the complex – from institute for environmental solutions – has future plans of opening the premises to the public and transforming them into a place where young scientists, artists and professionals of other fields can meet and collaborate.

the strategy proposes three gradual development phases

as transformation of the brewery requires significant financial resources, it is not feasible to renovate all at once, so the strategy proposes three gradual development phases. in that way it would be possible to ensure accessibility for the public even during a lengthy transformation process. the first phase includes reorganizing the part of the complex near castle square, the second phase is conservation of the architecturally valuable parts of the brewery, but the third phase would be construction of new structures and public spaces. the central public space — the terrace — is where temporary art exhibitions, installations, pavilions, and other activities could take place.

the main architectural image of the project is scaffolding — an exposed wooden frame

the project by mailītis A.I.I.M, resonates with the idea of ‘slow architecture’ — a gradual development when the very process of transformation becomes an essential part of the concept. inspired by this process, the main architectural image of the project is scaffolding — an exposed wooden frame. such spatial cover would protect the old cellars of the beer brewery, allow for light to come into them and create a strong visual image.

ruin garden 

entrance view

brewery model

location in the city 

existing situation

castle park plan by f.lode in 1890 

brewery functions 

changing elements

project info:

architects: mailītis A.I.I.M.
location: lencu iela 11, cesis, latvia
project team: austris mailītis, andra odumāne, reiji kobayashi
client: institute for environmental solutions
area: 7782 sqm
year: since 2015
pictures: mailītis A.I.I.M.

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: hollie smith | designboom