The Ropax Ferry Terminal, an old ferry and cruise ship terminal repurposed from a shipping warehouse in Riga, is set to be redesigned by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). The firm won the Riga Ropax Terminal architectural competition.
The 19,999 m2 (21,5278 sf) new terminal consists of a reinforced concrete timber structure and expansive glazing, which adds natural light to the interiors.
A fourth level will be added to the structure to incorporate public terraces with views of the Daugava River and the skyline of Riga’s city center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vertical external fins created from locally recycled bricks are used as solar shading. The terminal’s roof incorporates ceramic tiles produced in the region together with photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The passenger terminal will double the capacity and operational efficiency of the current port.
The Ropax Ferry Terminal will connect facilities for ferry and cruise ship passengers with Riga’s tram and bus networks, as well as the city’s taxis, tourist buses, and public bicycles.
It will further include additional infrastructure for cruise ship servicing, with the prospect of a cruise line home port. Estimates show the new terminal could accommodate up to 150 cruise ships. In total, the new terminal could accommodate around 800,000 passengers in its first year of operation planned for 2028.
The firm collaborated with Latvian architecture firm, Sarma Norde Architects and Alps Landscape Architects, as well as Sweco Finland.
