Mass scale construction of apartment blocks

Mass scale construction of apartment blocks sprang up in the early 1960’s.

New residential estates sprang up over 30 years: Āgenskalna Priedes, Jugla, Ķengarags, Purvciems, Pļavnieki, Mežciems, Imanta, Zolitūde, and Ziepniekkalns. Russian architects, engineers and builders played an active part in their planning and construction. In fact, throughout these years a ‘second Riga’  grew up. Soviet new-builds were and are criticized for their ‘lack of character and low quality’. Nevertheless they still fulfil their purpose of mass, affordable housing and remain in demand today.