Daugavpils cietokšņa šaujampulvera noliktava
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PROJECT BRIEF
The gunpowder warehouse of the 7th bastion of the Daugavpils Fortress was laid in the 1860s on a pile grid with a massive boulder foundation, thick brick walls and vaults. To restore the stability of the building and adapt it to the new functionality — the art gallery of Peteris Martinson, a ceramist originally from Daugavpils, and the Mark Rothko Art Center, a world-famous American artist, abstract expressionist and founder of the painting style of color fields — the architects’ tasks by 2015. There were a few years between development and implementation of the construction project, so during this time the views of the authors and the customer on architectural solutions have changed, so the project today takes into account new contexts. We have saved a maximum of 579 m² of history in order to create a new one within these walls.
PROJECT DETAILS
Much of the exterior of the building was preserved: the originally built stone blind area around the building during construction was exposed, restored and supplemented. Traditional bridges in the architecture of the Daugavpils fortress have been designed at both side entrances — pedestrian bridges with wooden decks and glass railings. The main facade is decorated in the tone of classicism: dark gray plinth, ochre yellow background, white decor. The main facade has been preserved plastered, other facades’ walls are prosthetic with restored bricks and left exposed. After discussing the best possible solution with the client it was decided to build a new galvanized tin roof at its historic height, all authentic elements — semi-circular historical chimneys — have been carefully restored, integrating them into the exposition of the art gallery.
The original stone vaults were restored in their original form in the interior. In the newly designed premises have been used modern but tonality and style suitable materials — dark gray tiles, vinyl floors and glass. The interior halls have also become canvases for light: delicate subdued lighting supports a slightly mystical mood of the 19th-century building.
An important decision during the work on the project was the preservation of fermentation tanks, which appeared at the facility in the 20th century. The objects became an exhibition behind glass panels as a rare example of the industrial heritage. This idea was born a few years after the start of the design in a dialogue with the client and the Heritage Department.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
Deeply respecting the historical value of the building, the REM PRO team implemented the idea of preserving the cultural heritage of Daugavpils and gave the building new life and functionality. The gunpowder warehouse has become a home for ambitious art exhibitions by world and local authors. It was important for us to keep in touch with the 19th century and create a base for the reception of figures of contemporary art. So we became a bridge between the history of Daugavpils and the new interests of its citizens.