ANDREJSALA, A POST-INDUSTRIAL AREA ADJOINING THE OLD CENTER OF RIGA, HAS A VENERABLE HISTORY IN THE NEW WAVE OF ARTS AND COUNTER-CULTURE THAT ELEVATED THE CITY FROM ITS POST-SOVJET CONDITIONS. AT THE TURN OF THE MILLENIUM, IT AROSE AS A COMMUNITY HUB FOR ART SPACES AND CLUBS AND QUICKLY BECAME ONE OF THE CITY´S KEY FOCAL POINT FOR CREATIVE ACTIVITY. IT HAS SINCE ENJOYED ITS STATUS AS A CULTURAL DESTINATION AND CONTINUES TO DEVELOP TODAY.

The latest addition takes great advantage of this cultural cache and position at the water's edge. Aqua Luna, like its neighbour Koya, introduce fine-dining to the post-industrial wharf area facing the docks of the Daugava river. The focus is truly toward the exterior and to the river delta. It might be said that the restaurant's style, design, name and even the menu are based on its immediate environment.

Under these conditions it made perfect sense to ask MDT-tex to design a specialized cover for the restaurant's dining terrace that was expansive in depth, yet opened out to the view. The 8 m x 20 m cover sweeps upward like a sail on a yacht, yet is mounted at a height that offers fabulous views, while giving the umbrella appear as though it were weightless.

• Area coverage 160 m²
• Self supporting portal structure
• Low-depth anticlastic surface form

MDT worked closely with the architects over a very short development and implementation cycle. A number of design developments lead to the optimisation of the cover to suit the architectural intentions, and as such, the cover not only performs but matches the architectural framing rhythms and programme of the space.

Technical requirements included structural analysis for the late application of foundations, steel construction and textile. A High performance, matte finish architectural membrane was used, 100% waterproof with weight of 630 g/m² and included features such as self-cleaning PVDF coating with enhanced discolouration resistance, highest grade UV inhibitors, sanitizers and flame retardants, this sustainable textile was also chosen for its ability to adapt to complex shapes.

• permanent construction
• steel structure
• PVC Membrane  for long lasting shelter