“Viskaļi – Institute of Design for Quality of Life” has been recognised as one of the best among more than 1,450 applications for the “New European Bauhaus Prize”, becoming an official ambassador of the “New European Bauhaus” values in Latvia. Viskaļi was nominated in the “Champions of Education” category, which highlights initiatives that focus on people and places in need, creating new educational opportunities.
The “New European Bauhaus” initiative calls on Europeans to imagine and build a sustainable, inclusive future. Launched by the European Commission in late 2020, it connects communities to the European Green Deal through everyday living spaces. The Viskaļi concept emphasises collaboration between sectors and fosters innovation to improve quality of life. Grounded in values of sustainability, social inclusion, and environmental aesthetics, Viskaļi aims to offer informal education programs inspired by socio-anthropological research.
“The dream of an institute that unites our residents and other future makers to design a better life has been recognised alongside other outstanding initiatives from across Europe! We are grateful for this opportunity to bring our vision closer to reality,” said Zane Ruģēna, Head of Sustainability and Development at “Free Riga.”
The association “Free Riga” is a public benefit organisation that revitalises abandoned buildings in Riga, transforming them into co-creative spaces for community-driven social and creative projects. Since 2019, the largest project of the association has been the development of the social incubator “Viskaļi – Institute of Design for Quality of Life”, located in Čiekurkalns on the banks of Ķīšezers, in the former faculty building of Riga Technical University. Viskaļi has become the largest creative community centre in the region, a base for more than 150 creative and active residents.
To learn more about our vision and plans, you can explore our detailed strategy in our New European Bauhaus application here.
