
OLA FOUNDATION GARDEN IN ĶĪPSALA
YEAR: 2021
PLACE: RĪGA
AREA: 2500 M2
DESIGN: RUTA GABRANOVA, ANSIS BIRZNIEKS
The Ola Foundation Cultural Space is a vibrant and sophisticated cultural destination that attracts connoisseurs of art, music, architecture, education, and various other creative endeavors to the serene Ķīpsala district.
The striking architecture of the main building, designed by architect, entrepreneur, and politician Uldis Pīlēns, is bound to impress and captivate. Its bright, glassy, and 'clean' volume features a shape reminiscent of an egg from a bird's-eye view—a symbol both spacious and multifaceted, from which the foundation’s name is derived. The achievements of Latvian engineers and craftsmen are evident at every turn—enormous glazing, floating and magical metal spiral staircases that seem to hover in the air, and the building's retractable roof. In contrast, the core of the building is bright, calm, and centered on individual inner experiences. The glass walls of the rooms allow them to merge seamlessly with the outdoor environment, significantly enhancing the overall experience.



Along the quiet Ogļu Street stands a majestic and ancient linden alley, which imparts a sense of coziness to the garden and connects with Ķīpsala’s rich history. The front garden is deliberately open and spacious, designed to host events and welcome guests in an outdoor setting on the lush green lawn. The entrance area of the building is highlighted by large plantings and vibrant hydrangea bushes in large pots.
Behind the main building, situated close by but not overshadowing it, is a two-story small luxury boutique hotel. This hotel offers an exceptional accommodation experience for event artists and visitors.

The garden’s goal is to create a cohesive, modern sense of space that delights visitors in all seasons and vividly enhances the experience of a contemporary garden.
Through the use of artificial terrain and abundant plantings, the GALANTUS team has successfully visually separated the hotel building from the main building without losing the sense of a unified space and while concealing large engineering infrastructure.
Additionally, each room on the ground floor has access to the garden and its own micro ‘morning terrace,’ which is designed to be as private and garden-enclosed as possible.
A special feeling arises when you are in the sunken ‘Ola’ on the first floor—the richly blooming and ever-changing amphitheater behind the glass wall is another vivid experience created by the Ola Foundation—a garden art experience.
