RIGA
MULTIFUNCTIONAL FOOD HUB
On this page you will learn about the Visionary and Integrated Solutions (VIS) implemented in the pilot city of Riga during the course of the IN-HABIT project.
On this page you will learn about the results of the Visionary and Integrated Solutions (VIS) implemented in this Pilot City during the course of the IN-HABIT project, both in aggregate and for each specific solution. But before you do so, here is a more human perspective on these results: the words of Laura, one of the local participants whose life was touched by INHABIT.
IN-HABIT LEGACY
Tālis Tisenkopfs from the Baltic Research Centre (BSC) explores the transformation of a traditional neighbourhood market in Riga into an inclusive, multifunctional urban food hub.
The presentation, delivered during the IN-HABIT Final Event, showcases how food-related innovation, social inclusion, and participatory governance can converge to revitalise public infrastructure and community life. It highlights the project's strategies, community engagement practices, and policy implications for sustainable urban development in Latvia and beyond.
OUTCOMES
• Market pavilion and outdoor area made more accessible
• Co-creation kitchen established and actively used for educational events
• 200 m2 of new accessible green space created
• +350 events organised at the market as part of the project
• An old memory became a new heart of the neighbourhood
PARTICIPATION
• 170,000 market visitors per month on average
IMPACT
• High agreement that the proposed VIS positively affected the 12 dimensions of Inclusive Health and Wellbeing evaluated
• Perception of security: Surveys (2024-25) show a moderate rise in perceived safety; observations note better lighting and presence of people.
• Social inclusion: Survey and qualitative data (2024-25) report more interaction among diverse groups, spontaneous conversations, and targeted programming for underrepresented residents.
• Neighbourhood reputation: 2024 survey data indicate a better reputation; media analysis repeatedly frames the market as a vibrant cultural hub.
• Sense of belonging: Survey responses (2024) show higher community belonging scores; anecdotes of long-term vendor-customer relationships reinforce emotional attachment.
• Satisfaction with cultural offer: Respondents report higher satisfaction with cultural activities; specific events (art exhibitions, music festivals, workshops) are cited as positives.
• Healthy & sustainable habits: Survey respondents note easier access to healthy food and more walking; observations of organic purchases and zero waste workshops support the claim, though direct behavioural data are lacking.
• Cultural participation & engagement: Number of cultural events grew; surveys and observation reports show good attendance at workshops, concerts, and gastronomy projects.
• Quality of free time & leisure: Qualitative comments describe the market as a “public living room”; surveys (2024) record more opportunities for leisure activities.
• Mental wellbeing: Open ended comments mention emotional lift and reduced stress; effect size is modest but convergent evidence points to a positive influence.
• Learning, skill development & agency for inclusive health: Skill building activities exist (cooking, sustainability seminars) and are popular, yet 2024 survey data show this aspect is not prominent in residents’ perceptions.
DISCOVER RIGA'S VISIONARY AND INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS
1. Cultural events at the Āgenskalns Market
2. Social events at the Āgenskalns Market
3. Economic/trade events at the Āgenskalns Market
4. Educational events at the Āgenskalns Market
5. Environmental events at the Āgenskalns Market
6. Transformation of the outdoor marketplace
7. Community (co-creation) kitchen
8. Lift for increased accessibility
9. Eco-island
1. Cultural events at the Āgenskalns Market


2. Social events at the Āgenskalns Market
3. Economic/trade events at the Āgenskalns Market


4. Educational events at the Āgenskalns Market
5. Environmental events at the Āgenskalns Market


6. Transformation of the outdoor marketplace
7. Community (co-creation) kitchen


8. Lift for increased accesibility
9. Eco-island

