Summer School «Riga – The Pearl Of Latvian Wooden Architecture»

Sustainability, ecology and energy efficiency are the words you hear these days more often. In the field of civil construction these three appellations can be included into one simple word – timber. Timber has been used as a building material for thousands of years. The chemical properties of wood are inherently complex, but nevertheless, human beings have successfully harnessed the unique characteristics of wood to build a seemingly unlimited variety of structures.

Wood is a natural resource, making it readily available and economically feasible. It is remarkably strong in relation to its weight, and it provides good insulation from the cold. Wood is also the perfect example of an environmentally sustainable product; it is biodegradable and renewable, and carries the lowest carbon footprint of any comparable building material.

Wooden architecture in Riga is unique, because it has been developing and improving for many years. A century ago in Latvia’s capital city there were approximately 12,000 wooden buildings from which only 4000 remained until these days. It is important to point out that the oldest Rigas’ wooden buildings were built at the end of the 18th century.

We believe that Latvian craftsmen knowledge in timber as a construction material has deep roots into our history dated back to ancient times and is inherited from our ancestors. The summer school «Riga – the Pearl of Latvian Wooden Architecture» links Latvian craftsmen know-how and RTU professors’ attainment into the field of architecture. Combination of those two worlds will result in an intensive two-week summer school where participants are able to gain new knowledge regarding wood as a construction material.

The course aim is to increase participants’ knowledge about the use and properties of wood as a material in architecture, emphasizing its advantages and also increasing awareness of the wooden architecture of Latvia.

The programme includes workshops and lectures in:

• Latvian Traditions in Wooden Architecture
• History of Wooden Architecture in Riga
• Riga – Its Historical Value in Wooden Architecture
• Wood Development Process – From Seed to House
• Ancient know how Building Tips for Wooden Constructions
• 3D Modelling in Architecture
• Timber – Its Value as Building and Construction Material

Fees and other details:

• Where? Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
• When? 19.07.–30.07.2021.
• How long? 2 weeks
• Who? Participants must be enrolled in a degree related to design, architecture, material science and civil engineering
• How much? 500 EUR (including lectures, practical classes, course materials, accommodation).
• The OUTCOME: RTU certificate, 6.0 ECTS
• Complete the application form.
• Scholarships. Student from the following countries can obtain Latvian government scholarships for the summer school. Scholarship covers accommodation, catering, lectures, workshops, excursions, field trips and cultural activities except travel, visa and insurance costs.

In case any questions regarding registration and organisation issues occur, contact:

Project Coordinator
Ms Elina Peina
+371 67089106

Project Coordinator
Mr Arturs Lusis
+371 67089036

Head of Unit
Ms Natalja Muracova
+371 29217056

Foreign Students Foundation and Short-Term Courses Unit