Conference “Viability of Wooden Architecture in the Modern Urban Environment”

On the 24th of November, at 11.00, the Liepāja 17th – 19th Century Interior Museum, also known as “Madame Hoyer’s Guest House”, will host a conference entitled “Viability of Wooden Architecture in the Modern Urban Environment.” This gathering will bring together architects, cultural heritage experts, urban planners, property proprietors and custodians, and anyone with a keen interest in this subject matter.

The conference will place a spotlight on the restoration and utilization of the historical structure located at 24 Kungu Street, which houses the Liepāja 17th – 19th Century Interior Museum. Moreover, the event will focus on the viability of historic wooden buildings, restoration processes and the challenges of maintaining and revitalization of historic wooden buildings within the broader context of the city, Latvia, and Scandinavian countries.

Equally significant, the conference will explore the topics of awareness, assessment, and the scholarly exploration of the cultural heritage intrinsic to historical wooden structures. Each of these buildings carries its own unique history, legends, personalities, and events that have left an indelible mark on the structure's vitality and significance.

The day’s program is set to feature presentations from a number of speakers, including architect Zaiga Gaile, architect and architectural reviewer Jānis Dripe, architect and passive building designer Ervīns Krauklis, construction archaeologist and one of the experts involved in the renovation of 24 Kungu Street, Juris Zviedrāns, art historian and scholar Edvarda Šmite, Liepāja City chief architect Uģis Kaugurs, Kuldīga Old Town administration expert Sintija Vītoliņa and Guna Ezermale, who is an assistant professor and teacher in ancient dance at the Department of Dance Pedagogy.

Participation in the conference is open to all at no cost. The conference will also be accessible online via this link:

https://www.facebook.com/liepajasinterjeramuzejs

This conference is jointly organized by the Liepāja 17th – 19th Century Interior Museum “Madame Hoyer’s Guest House,” and the Liepāja Museum, with the support provided by the State Culture Capital Foundation.