PROJECTS

Transformation of abandoned buildings

How often have you heard or caught yourself thinking that there are so many places around that are abandoned, but could be inhabited or restored in some other way. In the 6th episode of the 4th season of the "Zinātne tuvplānā" talk show, the director of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences "Architecture and construction" study direction, lecturer Marija Katrīna Dambe and the curator of the "Free Riga" Paula Cukura will discuss how empty buildings can be taken over for the needs of communities. Within the framework of the project "Building Alternative Skills to Implement Creativities and Commons - BASICC", a road map of the educational program will be created, but what can be learned about taking over abandoned buildings? How can universities cooperate with non-governmental organizations and municipalities? "Zinātne tuvplānā" is a talk show about research and topics important to society.

The activities are implemented by the Erasmus+ project “Building Alternative Skills to Implement Creativities and Commons-BASICC", No. 101111802” and are co-financed from the European Union budget.

The experience of the Brussels communities

At the beginning of July 2024, Linda Murāne went to Brussels, where the next experience and research visit of project partners was held within the framework of the BASICC project. Two communities MONA and ZENNEKE were visited. The ZENNEKE community has obtained a lease in an old factory, which is periodically renovated using reusable materials. The community offers metalworking courses and participates in a carnival every other year, where students' projects are displayed. On the other hand, the community MONA (from the word monastery) is housed in a Catholic church. The community has four projects, where local residents help organize various events and maintain the building.

The activities are implemented by the Erasmus+ project “Building Alternative Skills to Implement Creativities and Commons-BASICC, No. 101111802” and are co-financed from the European Union budget.

Coastal Fishing Vessels Powered by Zero Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell H2-SEAS

european commision

The Aim and description:

Currently in the European Union, there are no operating fishing vessels of less than 12 metres in length using hydrogen fuel cell energy for their propulsion with electric engines and for their auxiliary power systems for navigation and fishing activities. The H2-SEAS consortium proposes an accessible, innovative, and complete hydrogen-electric solution to accelerate the sustainable transition towards Zero Emission for fishing vessels under 12m in length in the North Sea and Baltic Sea basins. The proposal features an energy efficient vessel profile, equipped with advanced and fully integrated innovations, including a clean energy system.

The focus of the project is the reduction of the small-scale fishing vessel footprint on the maritime environment. The use of H2 as a fuel will dramatically limited noise pollution (only propeller sound will radiate from the vessel), absence of diesel engine exhaust and oil pollution will make no impact on greenhouse gases, airborne particles, acidifying compounds, and others, and will make one significant step for improving sea ecosystem quality, human wellbeing, and climate stability. Energy efficiency during project design phase will be implemented by optimising vessel’s hull form, selection of efficient equipment and adaptation of soft programs for economical use of the vessel Energy system. After design and construction, during vessel tests, we will collect data for comprising and analysis with similar class diesel fisherman vessel, and not only in energy consumption but in full spectrum of the environmental footprint.

Project period: 01.05.2024 - 31.10.2026

Project number: 101157530

Project partners:

RigaTechnical University, Latvia (lead partner)

Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia

Stockholmi Keskkonnainstituudi Tallinna Keskus, Estonia

Genevos SAS, France

SiA "A2Z Gannet", Latvia

Project total budget: 2 798 772.50

ViA budget: 255 000.00

Involved staff: Oskars Java, Ojārs Balcers, Jana Simonovska, Raimonda Melngaile, Karīna Anna Lapiņa.

Project scientific manager (e-mail): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Common activities in Valmiera

On June 7 and 8, 2024, representatives of Free Riga visited Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences to help transform the building at Tērbatas iela 10A into a laboratory of sustainable construction.
The building was cleaned and in the future workshop area the interior decoration was removed. The work plan for the development of the building is based on the ideas developed by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and Romanian Polytechnic University of Timisoara architecture students in the 2023 E³UDRES² living laboratories. But in the end of July, representatives of Vidzeme University will visit Free Riga to help implement the ideas of Viskaļi - Life Quality Design Institute.

The activities are implemented by the Erasmus+ project “Building Alternative Skills to Implement Creativities and Commons, No. 101111802” and are co-financed from the European Union budget.

Knowledge and experience during the Riga session

From 23.04. to 26.04.2024. several ViA employees and students (Marija Katrīna Dambe, Linda Murāne, Alīna Beitāne and Liene Goļča) participated in the Riga session of the "BASICC- Building Alternative Skills to Implement Creativities and Commons" project.
Project representatives from Latvia, France, Italy, Belgium shared their experience and knowledge, learned about the situation in Latvia and Riga in relation to empty, abandoned buildings and building communities, as well as visited and analyzed several places in Riga: the Quality of Life Design Institute "Viskaļi", Briana quarter, creative quarter "Provodniks" etc.

The activities are implemented by the Erasmus+ project “Building Alternative Skills to Implement Creativities and Commons, No. 101111802” and are co-financed from the European Union budget.