THE SOUL OF RIGA
Swedbank Tower – The Style of Modern Riga
History and Facts
The Swedbank headquarters on the left bank of the Daugava at Balasta dambis was built in 2003–2004 and opened in 2004. Rising about 120.8 meters (around 123 m to the tip) with 27 floors (26 usable floors plus a technical level), it was the first modern high-rise of this scale in Riga after Latvia regained independence. The tower was designed by architects Viktors Valgums and Alvis Zlaugotnis, in collaboration with the bureaus Zenico Projekts and Tectum.

Interesting Fact
The building is not only Swedbank’s headquarters but also a defining element of Riga’s skyline, visible from both sides of the river. Its distinctive “cut” form suggests openness and dynamism.

Author’s Note
I chose this site because the Swedbank Tower represents, for me, the modern face of Riga. Infrared photography gives this glass-and-steel giant a dramatic tone, turning it into a “tower among the clouds.”

Jānis Kaugurs 2017. SIA CAPTURE DESIGN

Rediscover Riga with the exclusive “SOUL OF RIGA” collection – black-and-white artistic puzzles and playing cards created in infrared technique, capturing the city’s atmosphere, architecture, and unique spirit.

SIA BLACK BIRD, JŪSU DRUKA presents: Soul of Riga – Puzzles and Cards

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