RIGA CASTLE: THE RESTORATION PUZZLE RESOLVED
Year:
Anno 2017/2018
Category:
Conservation
Arturs Lapins
Art Academy of Latvia, Art Science Department
The restoration of Riga Castle's Bailey part (2008 – 2016) included both the exterior and the interior of the building. The object comprised a wide palette of historic structures, architectural elements and finishes, representing a wast spectrum of styles, structural and finishing approaches. Most of works were carried out in situ. The works were planned according to the conservation principle defined already at the project stage - to stabilize the original element in the existing state of ageing. The main task was to maintain the original features, at the same time adjusting the elements to the requirements of fire safety and ensuring security and structural integrity.
The Presidential institution returned to the Castle last year, therefore completing the cycle of the changes in the functional usage of the building.
