(July 1, 2008)
Since the 4th of June 2008, a refitted river craft also known as the 'floating workshop' is permanently moored at Andrejsala's South End (see map), housing office space and additional premises for various arts events. The project was initiated by Aldis Bokmelders, director, and Māris Jansons, member of the board, both representing the BadDog postcard publishing company.
As a matter of fact, the purchase of the boat had been completed two years earlier, when the BadDog team realised that moving house would be inevitable for their company because of the impending dismantling of the industrial-style building they had been in until then. There exists a similar, long-running and successful project in Rīga, known as the "floating arts and culture platform" Noass (translates into English as 'Noah'), which served as an inspiration for BadDog to try out life aquatic as the everyday mode of business. The 20-odd years old, Bulgarian-made service barge was spotted by them while serendipitously surfing a Latvian classified ads website. It proved to be slightly more complicated and time-consuming to handle all the paperwork related to the purchase and the obtaining of a corresponding mooring permit, which took no less than six months. Refurbishing and restyling required another half-year. The structure is now much more comfortable than it used to be because of the newly added thermal insulation and replacing of window frames. However, the new interior design also preserves many original elements and moods of the boat, resulting in an enthusing and unique post-industrial atmosphere.
What else could teams of artists, designers and art directors wish for? Peldošā darbnīca nr. 659 has the total floor area of 2,000 square metres (2,392 sq yards): the top storey houses offices, while some parts of the ground-level floor as well as the premises below it are used for public events and by a catering facility. According to Māris Jansons, "the floating service vessel is an unusual place, and it would be best to preserve its distinct atmosphere, therefore a milieu of people is being created involving our friends as well as [new partnerships] based upon recommendations". At the time of publishing, a number of advertising specialists, architects and producers were already equipping the rooms and moving in onto the craft.
Choosing Andrejsala as the permanent harbour for Peldošā darbnīca nr. 659 came naturally for the project's authors, since this is one of the very few places in Rīga that permit this type of activity. Andrejsala's popular image as a hub of arts and creativity also played a role, convincing the BadDog team of the possibility to integrate and grow together with the area's exciting community. Aldis Bokmelders remarked that BadDog had been looking purposefully for a new residence that would be quite different from the run-of-the-mill, ubiquitous office blocks: "We were very happy about the openness shown by Jaunrīgas attīstības uzņēmums, and it turned out that our concept was very much in line with the overall strategic development plans for Andrejsala."
"We live in a city built by a river running through the middle of it, yet paradoxically the riverside areas are by and large inaccessible and closed for general public. There are lately some little boats, pleasure craft seen in Vecrīga, however many of the waterways still seem to be forgotten about. With some imagination, you can see that traffic jams could be easily avoided if one used a boat," Māris Jansons added. The floating workshop extends the moorage in a configuration similar to what it was placed in before its transferring to Andrejsala: the craft's construction allows other vessels to dock with it from all its sides. "If someone comes here on a boat, he or she can wharf with Peldošā darbnīca, have a meal, attend a party or seminar and then continue the navigation", Jansons visualised.
Peldošā darbnīca nr. 659 hosted its first open event on the 13th of June, when the Future Shorts ongoing international film festival used simultaneously two of its halls. The screening of short films attracted as much as 500 viewers, as shown in this photographic coverage.
Project's contact: Māris Jansons, ph. +371 29565123.
