The Institute of Contemporary Art, Design, and Architecture (LMDA) of the Art Academy of Latvia has released a new book–catalogue titled (Re)Connected to Nature. Nature-Driven Creative Practices in Design, Architecture, and Art. Vol. 1, compiled and edited by institute researcher and architect Dina Suhanova. The publication brings together fifteen innovative, «nature-inspired» examples of spatial practices in architecture, design, and art in Latvia and the Baltics.
The book (Re)Connected to Nature. Nature–Driven Creative Practices in Design, Architecture, and Art explores projects deeply connected to nature and the natural world, drawing inspiration from landscapes, examining and analysing them, reviewing resource chains and the use of natural materials, as well as speculating on the concept of naturalness within the contemporary framework of sustainability. The publication highlights works by Latvian authors — architects, artists, and designers — and includes two additional stories from the other Baltic states. Each selected work is introduced with an essay by the editor, based on interviews with the authors, submitted project descriptions, and visual material.
The book–catalogue includes creative works, studies, and projects by authors such as: Toms Kokins (Tokobi); Marija Katrīna Dambe and Florian Betat (Nomad Arhitekti); Roberta Fišere and Austris Mailītis (Mailītis Arhitekti); Laura Linsi and Roland Reemaa (LLRRLLRR); Sarmīte Poļakova (Studio Sarmite); Arnita Melzoba and Kārlis Melzobs (Gaiss Arhitekti); Reinis Spaile (Ezera Skaņas); Zane Priede; Maksims Šenteļevs; Mārīte Mastiņa–Pēterkopa and Rolands Pēterkops (Mareunrol’s); Madara Kvēpa; Edgars Ameriks (Kūdras Māja); Jonas Žukauskas, Jurga Daubaraite and Egija Inzule (Neringa Forest Architecture); Dagnija Smilga, Niklāvs Paegle and Kārlis Bērziņš (Ēter); and Andris Eglītis (Savvaļa).
The book’s editor, Dina Suhanova, points out that the title of the publication refers to the currently topical New European Bauhaus initiative, which calls for reconnecting with nature, regaining a sense of belonging, creating a circular industrial ecosystem, and emphasising life cycle thinking. «The aim of the publication is to introduce local and international audiences to interdisciplinary creative research and practical projects, innovative ideas, and original works in the fields of design, art, and architecture, highlighting the special relationship that the people of Latvia and the Baltic States have with the landscape, nature, and the natural world, as well as analysing architectural and environmental forms, artistic practices, locality, place, and concepts of belonging in the context of climate change and environmental conservation issues,» Dina says about the book.
«The idea for this catalogue emerged while working on the new master’s programme of the Architecture School at the Art Academy of Latvia. I felt a strong internal need to document our specific area of interest and the formation of the Baltic architectural scene in a publication format. I sincerely hope this will continue — hence the indication «Vol. 1» on the cover. There are still very few publications in the field of architecture in Latvia. It is also vital to continue raising and critically discussing human relationships with nature, especially regarding interference in natural processes and resource use. At the same time, I now realise just how much work and financial resources are required even for a relatively simple publication like this, so it won’t be easy to launch the next volume,» comments Dina.
The book is available for reading at the National Library of Latvia and the library of the Art Academy of Latvia, as well as digitally. The editor invites interested individuals, as well as educational institutions in the fields of design, architecture, and art, to get in touch to receive copies for educational use.
Dina Suhanova is an architect and researcher at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Design, and Architecture of the Art Academy of Latvia. She holds a degree in architecture and a master’s degree in the history and theory of art and culture. Following several years of architectural practice, her professional work now focuses on research, interdisciplinary projects, and various activities related to contemporary architecture, culture, and education. She has served as director of an architecture programme, lecturer, and project manager at RISEBA University. Since 2018, Dina has curated the temporary architecture and urban design summer school FestivaL’and. She is the editor of several academic publications, contributes articles to local and international journals, and participates in conferences. Since 2022, she has also been one of the co-creators of the conversation series Salons.
The book–catalogue is published in English to ensure accessibility for both local and international audiences. Language editing was provided by Jeffrey Grīnvalds, and printing by Dardedze Hologrāfija. The publication was produced within the State Research Programme «Letonika for the Development of a Latvian and European Society», under the project «Landscapes of Identities: History, Culture, and Environment» (IDEUM, 2022–2024, No. VPP-LETONIKA-2021/1-0008), implemented by five research institutions. It was published with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation.
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