Latvian National Theater Annex at Simtgades Avenue 3, Riga | COMPETITION PROJECT | 2019
The competition for the Latvian National Theater Annex at Simtgades Avenue 3, Riga was announced in 2019. Layout17 developed its draft design in collaboration with the design office GRAF X. One of the main tasks was to create a multifunctional "Black Box" hall in the new theater extension. The name "Black Box" served as the primary inspiration for the annex's volume shapes and visual design.
To connect the theater annex with Simtgades Avenue, the design included the option to open the glazed facade panels toward the canal-side greenery. This would allow for performances to be presented to an audience outside the building. A particular challenge during the design phase was the very limited space available for the extension, which was further constrained by the trees along the avenue. The project draft received an incentive prize from the jury.
