david adjaye + henning larsen on seven-strong shortlist for latvian art museum
image © latvian museum of contemporary art foundation

 

 

 

the latvian museum of contemporary art foundation (LMoCAF) has announced the seven international architecture practices shortlisted to design the institution’s new building in the center of riga. the contenders include the studio of british architect david adjaye and henning larsen architects, a danish practice known for successful cultural designs. LMoCAF’s ambition is to become the most visited art museum in the baltic states, with a collection spanning art and visual culture in region from the 1960s onwards. the shortlisted teams are in alphabetical order below:

 

adjaye associates
architects lahdelma & mahlamäki
caruso st john architects
henning larsen architects
neutelings riedijk architects
sauerbruch hutton
wHY

 

‘this new museum is a major initiative for latvia and will showcase the country’s culture and artistic flair,’ commented chair of the latvian museum of contemporary art foundation, romans surnačovs. ‘creating a museum, which can compete with others around the world and establish a distinctive presence on the regional cultural map, is a specialized challenge, so in the competition we have sought to concentrate on international designers who are experienced in this field. however, the project represents an opportunity for seven local practices to shine too in a creative partnership with the international practices. as with any serious creative endeavor, it is the will to contribute knowledge that leads to ultimate success.’

 

25 international practices were invited to submit their credentials, with just seven making the cut. it is anticipated that the concept designs will be developed in association with local architectural practices, before a winner is announced in may 2016. the circa €30 million project is funded by the boris and inara teterev foundation and the ABLV charitable foundation, who are working closely with latvia’s ministry of culture.