Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed its design to reuse a 1960s shipping warehouse in Riga, Latvia, as the Ropax Ferry Terminal. Beside Daugava River, the 20,000-square-metre 4-storey terminal will double the port’s current capacity, with facilities for both ferry and cruise ship passengers, accommodating around 800,000 visitors in its first year of operation, which is planned for 2028. The bulging will serve as one of the city’s three mobility hubs, providing as well high-quality civic, leisure, and commercial facilities, with a spacious plaza looking towards the city and a riverside walkway.

The old reinforced concrete structure of the warehouse will be preserved, giving the terminal an orthogonal shape. Inside, a triple-height atrium will welcome passengers with large openings to let in light. The top floor will feature a terrace with cafes and restaurants offering panoramic views of Riga, covered by a curved roof with photovoltaic panels and ceramic tiles that evoke Latvian craftsmanship tradition and the fluidity of the river. Local wood will be used for some structural elements and finishes.