A model for sustainable urban living
Waterfront developments like Riga Port City often face the challenge of balancing urban growth with sustainability. To address this, innovative mobility approaches that reduce car reliance and encourage sustainable daily behaviors are essential. Gehl joined the Riga Port City masterplanning team, consisting of Hosoya Schaefer Architects AG, ĒTER, and 1:1 Landskab, and identified an opportunity to implement a new mobility strategy prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport.
Gehl established Eksporta Street as a key sustainable transport corridor, introduced a grid of slow streets to create safer, more pedestrian-friendly environments, and developed the ‘Riga Block’ concept to enhance public life. These efforts were supported by a flexible street network designed to evolve with the district, integrating essential public spaces and mobility hubs for a cohesive urban experience.
The site became the focal point for this new mobility approach, aiming to reduce car trips by 25% and promote a lifestyle centered around soft mobility — walking, cycling, taking the tram, and enjoying cleaner air.
