A walk through the history of Purvciems
A walk through Purvciems
Photo: Sandra Liepa
Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to take part in the URBACT project 2gether: a Nightlife to Enjoy (2Nite), invited by the Riga Neighbourhood Residents Centre. The project focuses on creating a safer city through various approaches — fostering community, increasing resident participation, and revitalising public spaces.
Together with the blockhouse community (Ieva Jakuša, Elīza Māra) and the Neighbourhood Residents Centre, we developed an event programme called “The Archive of Homeliness.” Where the aim was to strip the microrayon of Purvciems of its politicised identity and view it as a home instead.
The programme consisted of three events: a walk through the history of Purvciems, led by me; disposable camera stations set up in one of the buildings, inviting residents to capture their idea of homeliness; and an evening gathering where residents were encouraged to bring out their old jars filled with homemade jams and pickles, and to decorate new jars for a light installation in the courtyard - a symbol of safety and community, led by the Blockhouse Community.
Walk through the history of Purvciems
Photos: Sandra Liepa
While microrayon residents are often overlooked, an event focused on their environment - right in their own backyard - felt like a refreshing initiative from the city. The walk was informative and, I hope, helped residents see their surroundings from a new perspective. The courtyard event, on the other hand, had a warm and relaxed atmosphere, with people mingling and coming and going as they pleased, despite the dreadful weather that day. It was fascinating to see the developed photos from the disposable cameras and get a glimpse of how residents perceive their homes.
The evening gathering in Purvciems
Photos: Sandra Liepa
Hopefully, the number of people who showed up is a sign of change — of a more active, curious community that identifies with its environment and feels a growing sense of responsibility and belonging.
