“Today I managed to walk along the new Mukusalas promenade. In some places it’s great, in others not so much. And here’s the mystery — what are these triangular water pools for?” asks one user on X. A photo of a triangular pool on the promenade, filled with water but separated from the Daugava River, is attached to the message. In the comments, people note that they also do not understand the designer's thought process, and some point out that “it looks dangerous.” It should be added that in the photo, due to an unfortunate angle, the railings that separate the promenade surface from this pool are not visible. Nevertheless, it is not hard to imagine teenagers or people under the influence of alcohol trying to climb onto this structure. However, it seems the designer is not foolish — just in case, there is a metal ladder leading from the pool. There is also a valid argument that these spots (there are two) could quickly turn into “dumpsters” — both due to people’s lack of consideration and because trash, including from the nearby roadway, could simply be blown there by the wind. There are also discussions on social media about a grid that was planned but not implemented in this location. ## This is an "architecturally readable intermediate space" The Department of Urban Environment and Mobility of the Riga Municipality indicated that these spots are “viewing platforms” that are purposefully extended into the Daugava River and serve as an extension of the promenade, providing observation of the landscape and water body. “Extending the platforms deeper into the river creates a triangular water space, forming an architecturally readable intermediate space between the promenade and the river. This solution offers a different perspective of the Daugava and the surrounding landscape. Around the platforms, the safety of visitors is ensured by continuous protective railings, which are functionally and visually similar to those used in other parts of the promenade. Thus, the safety of visitors is ensured in accordance with the intended use of the facility, and no solutions have been planned or constructed on the territory that could create an increased safety risk,” said Tatiana Smirnova, a representative of the Riga Municipality Communications Department. The department also noted that at the design stage, a grid was indeed planned as an element of landscaping for calm recreation, with the possibility of climbing on it and staying — sitting, lying down, etc. However, during construction and detailed development of technical solutions and operating conditions, it was determined that significant changes to the originally planned solution would be required to ensure safe public use. After assessing the potential risks of use and aspects of long-term maintenance, the municipality decided to abandon the implementation of the grid. The reconstruction cost 20 million As previously reported, the two-year construction work on the promenade along Mukusalas Street in Riga has been completed, costing 20.8 million euros. On Monday, December 22, the 2.3-kilometer promenade was put into operation, and the official opening will take place on January 9. The reconstruction of Mukusalas Street promenade, which began in December 2023, is one of the largest investment projects of the Riga Municipality aimed at renewing urban infrastructure, focused on developing the Daugava bank as a visually appealing, modern, and safe promenade that is pleasant for both residents and visitors. The most significant and technically complex stage of the project was the reconstruction of the Daugava promenade fortifications built in 1961, as the work had to be carried out both on land and in the water. During construction, the foundations of the promenade were reinforced, the structures of hydraulic structures, fortifications, railings, and other elements were updated.