Context of Trade Canal and Industrial Heritage in Liepaja

Abstract

Today, the historic Trade Canal in Liepāja begins to rapidly recover the character of an outdoor public space of an aesthetically high quality. After the two devastating world wars, the industrial heritage has only remained along the left bank of the canal, requiring a very gentle treatment of the cultural and historical values. The new industrial building that has occupied both banks of the canal from the 60s-70s of the 20th century strongly contrast with the historic building scale, materials, and the application of the architecturally compositional elements. The modern construction technologies can build powerful allegoric comparisons in the language of the architectural form building. This applies both to the wide glazing of the building facade, the curved facade shapes, the structure of the covering material, the green areas, etc.. The revival of the left bank of the canal is a good challenge to also recover the historic urban space on the right bank of the canal or at the side of Jaunliepāja. Currently, this waterfront of the canal, which is untouched by the war, consists of a circumferentially dense production area.

Research Hotspots and Future Trends in Canal-Related Industrial Buildings

“…Particularly after the turn of the 21st century, the promulgation and promotion of a series of industrial heritage protection documents have led to a renewed appreciation for the value of historical industrial buildings and a deeper understanding of sustainable development principles, gradually recognizing canals and architectural heritage as important components of urban economic and cultural development [11,12]. Abandoned historical industrial sites and canal-related infrastructure not only serve as material evidence of urban development but also carry rich historical and cultural connotations [13]. Attention and reuse of these sites not only protect and materialize their memory, thereby promoting culture, education, and research [10], but also help people find a sense of belonging, satisfying the basic need for spiritual return [14], transforming them into part of cultural supply and repurposing them to provide new services to cities [15].…”