Infill Development in Context : Case Study of Riga Circus Extension

Sammanfattning: This thesis explores a broader understanding of infill development in historic surrounding. Historic structures are viewed as mediators for the new design to carry on the sense of place and provide continuity in the city. Continuity in the city scape is provided by forming relations between existing built fabric and new additions in the city, creating a synergistic whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Buildings and city scape are perceived as a living changing artefacts, providing link with past tradition, identity and perception of time passage. Accordingly, this thesis proposes a contemporary circus addition to the existing circus complex as an infill development, constructed through the negative spaces and defined by surrounding historic built fabric. This thesis is divided into four main sections. Chapter I reviews existing literature in the field of context and contextualism as a methodology for infill architecture. Chapter II covers research and analysis of circus concept, semiotics and historical development of circus. Chapter III includes the analysis of the site and existing Circus Building. Chapter IV describes the research design and infill strategy for contemporary building to come in alliance with the pre-existing surroundings. The design process aims to identify a set of complementary aspects and design objectives that would assist in analysis of the existing historic fabric within the evolving context and allow to form relation between new contemporary building and pre-existing context. How can a new structure embody the sense of the place and be a part of continues urban fabric. Consequently, the aim is to assess the compatibility of the new building in historic context. The main thesis question is how to fit in a contemporary circus building/ extension in a dense historic urban setting providing the progression of city scape, context and harmony with the existing buildings.