The metamorphosis New Riga Theatre, Riga (LV)
A 120-year-old dilapidated theatre is being transformed into an architectural statement for the capital. The New Riga Theatre was awarded Latvia’s highest architecture prize. A must-see on your next visit to Riga – not least for the Geberit toilets.
The old theatre in the heart of Riga has survived two world wars. Theatre has been performed in the building since 1902. After 122 years, the once run-down building now shines in new splendour. In the “Jaunais Rigas Teatris,“ or New Riga Theatre, old and new come together in a harmonious whole. The design is by the architectural office Zaigas Gailes Birois, which was awarded the Latvian Architecture Award in October 2024, the highest national architecture prize.
The spectacular main façade, with its industrially inspired modern structure, now defines the face of Riga's central Lāčplēša Street. Historic elements, such as the nostalgic staircases, the magnificent theatre hall, or the Art Deco aesthetics of the 1930s, have been preserved. The New Riga Theatre houses three performance venues with a total of 840 seats (twice as many as before). The architects paid particular attention to an often overlooked but essential area: the sanitary facilities.
Big run in the breaks
To optimise crowd control during the intervals, the sanitary facilities were strategically positioned for easy access without disrupting viitor flow - with two to three times more toilets for the ladies. The classically elegant WC and urinal ceramics from the Selnova line are in use, along with Selnova Comfort toilets with an extended projection for guests with limited mobility. Robust, easy-to-clean surfaces – such as those of the Selnova Compact and VariForm washbasins – ensure durability.
‘We are proud that Geberit products have been selected for the sanitary facilities of the New Riga Theatre,’ says Pārsla Sauka from Geberit Sales in Latvia. ‘The toilets of a theatre are part of the visitor experience. They have to fit aesthetically into the overall concept, while also being functional.’ And, of course, they must be available in sufficient numbers – after all, a night at the theatre should not end with a queue in front of the toilets.
Facts
Geberit Know-how
Geberit products used in the project
- Washbasins Selnova Compact, Smyle Square, Preciosa II, VariForm
- WCs Selnova Premium, Selnova Comfort
- Urinals Selnova
- Actuator plates Sigma20
- Installation system Duofix
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