The Great Hall Of The University Of Latvia Renovated For The First
Time In 60 Years.
A fundamental reconstruction is carried out, using the most advanced technologies.
The Business Forum, which is held in the framework of the EBRD Annual
Meeting, is scheduled to take place at the University of Latvia, 19 Raina Boulevard. The
Great and the Small Halls as well as seven adjacent rooms and the lobby will be used for
the meeting purposes. On September 15, 1999, Birojs 2000 signed an agreement with SIA
Nord on the renovation of the main building of the University. On the same day Juris
Zakis, Rector of the University, signed another agreement on the procedure of the
utilisation of premises during the EBRD Board of Governors’ Annual Meeting in May 2000.
The renovation works were launched in September, but today we can already assess the
results.
Atis Peics, Director of the University Of Latvia:
The most part of works is already accomplished at the Great Hall. Only
minor finishing works are left after the removal of the scaffolding. Whereas in the Small
Hall the works are not yet commenced, since it has undergone renovation quite recently –
now it needs only painting and the replacement of the electricity wiring. The rooms on the
second floor next to the Small Hall are also nearly ready and will be finished soon.
The main lobby on the side of Raina Boulevard is also being renovated.
At the moment the corridors require most of effort and work, as all main facility lines
are located there. Only one half of the first floor corridor is renovated, renovation of
the second floor corridor is started, and the third floor corridor also needs to be
refurbished. Despite the ongoing lectures at the University, we do not interrupt the
renovation works. I would like the renovation to proceed faster.
The works that Birojs 2000 has ordered for the purposes of the
EBRD Annual Meeting do not fully accord with the needs of the University. Thus, for
example, we have to install an elevator for the disabled, which is crucially needed at the
University of Latvia, but is not planned for the EBRD Annual Meeting. We would like to
work together to find the most efficient solution possible given the allocated financing.
We have not yet finalised the development of the solution for the alarm
system. The existing system is old and outdated, besides, new technologies have emerged
and the attitude of people has changed as concerns security measures. We would like to
install a computerised alarm system by the time of the EBRD Annual Meeting in May 2000.
The Great Hall is renovated for the first time since President Karlis
Ulmanis inaugurated it in 1930’s. The only changes that the hall has experienced during
the Soviet period were miscellaneous emblems and slogans that were put on and off the
walls. The lighting system is morally obsolete, too, and so are the airing system, the
audio system and the heating. We are performing fundamental reconstruction now, using the
most upgraded technologies. Of course, the costs are high, but everything will remain with
the University.
It is important that in May 2000, when the participants of the EBRD
Annual Meeting attend the events scheduled to take place at the University of Latvia, they
will see the potential of this building, because then people will probably decide to
organise other events there as well. This, of course, will add to the fame of the
University although it seems to be already quite famous as it has been visited by the Pope
John Paul II, the President of the USA Bill Clinton, and also – by Algirdas Brazauskas,
statesman of our neighbouring country. It should also be noted that the geographical
location of the building in the very heart of Riga is unique. Its architecture is unique,
too. There are a lot of rooms in the building, which can be used for various large events
– the Great and the Small Halls, auditoriums, cloakroom, and the rest of the building.
