Riga and it's future. Our thoughts...

[Editorial] Yes. This is a blog about flight simulation. And as with all other flight simulation news sites and blogs, we usually... ok we mostly... Fine. We stick to the world of flight simulation. However, this time I want to open your eyes to something I see. Something... I feel... Something, that if it came to fruition, would be truly the most beautiful work of art ever to grace the virtual world of our flight simulators. So what's got my panties all tied up in a bunch? Well, it's EVRA Starptautiskā lidosta Riga, and it's future. Come see what i'm fussing about.

Now, as we all know EVRA or for purposes of this article as I will call "Evra", is quite indeed small and without much to look at. That doesn't mean the main terminal (completed in 2006) is not worth looking at. The architecture is actually not bad besides just being so small. Well recently an open RFP (request for proposal) was sent out. Actually to be more to the point it was an international design competition. Boy oh boy did some of the worlds leading architecture firms respond. The results? Well in a phrase: It's simply unbelievable that an airport could look quite like this.

Oh and if you are wondering why I am making a big deal of all this? It's because the airport has decided on the firm and design it's main airline "AirBaltic" will start to call home in 2014. Oh, and because I want it in my simulator! And after most of you are done reading this, so will you! This has been bugging me ever since I came across the news this past weekend.

Now on to the first Evra render, say this isn't awesome!

Now the second I saw that render, I was like, YES!! Build that! Very modern yet futuristic in the same way that you could say Dubai airport is...

But then, there was Evra render number two...

My second choice...

http://www.arthitectural.com/zerafa-architecture-studio-airbaltic-terminal/ to see more!!

Honestly, have you ever seen a terminal building like that before? I haven't and I am very -strike that understatement there- extremely impressed! Just imagine pulling your QW757 of PMDG NGX up to something like that. Without a doubt, it would be unlike anything we have ever seen in our little simulators...

But then, Evra number three...

Now this render although contemporary, came off as a bit simplistic. This model was not chosen... It would indeed still make for a very nice terminal though...

Off to number four...

Now again, contemporary, which is a good thing, seemed a bit boring... If I am not mistaken, the current project taking place in Budapest is a bit similar to this. So whereas I like it, nothing about it really stands out to me other than the fact that I love all the glass.

And to number five...

No. Just, just no! Ewww... Again no! And no jet bridges? Lets just go to number six please...

Ok, so number six...

So we are still pretty much looking at the same overall design similar to that of number three. But, if anything, i'd say this is number three on steroids! Now this is better. Much better. But I just can't seem to get over the fact that it just seems to be missing something... Too squarish maybe? Needs more character? I don't know... But I really do like it!

Let's go to number seven...

Okay, again I am going to have to say no. Ughhh!!! There is just something about this design that rubs me the wrong way like I can't seem to quite put my finger on it... What I will say is it really seems to somehow capture the cultural likeness of AirBaltic but i'll pass on this one. They did too...

Number eight:

Too plain, too boring. Number nine please.

Here's number nine...

Almost like an iPod that went rogue and turned itself into a spaceship. It's nice but easily forgettable the moment you fly out of there.

On to number ten...

Whoa!! What can I say about this other than if there were spaceports on Mars, this is what they would look like. This is awesome!! But again, for some reason, this is just rubbing me the wrong way... I don't know why!! I like it! I want it, and yet... I am saying no... Is there something wrong with me? When flights to the moon are daily scheduled flights, I will expect to fly there out of a building like this. But it's just a little too over doing it for little ol' Riga don't you think?

Let's have a look at number eleven...

This looks like it's going to be the next airport you think is an airport until the bad alien in MIB4 tries to leave Earth in it. No for me.

Let's try twelve...

If I wanted to be taken seriously as a designer, I would come up with a better mock up or day time rendering. Maybe they did... I don't know. I have been searching for more photos of this one. From here it looks nice but, need to see more...

Ok number thirteen... 

Besides number one, which is my second choice, this would round out the top three for me. Check it out!

Now this is a design that is not overwhelming and yet dares to stand out and be different. Something that is not likely easy to do. It does not have that typical contemporary look, it does look futuristic but not all spaceship like. I like the sleek curves, the angle of the glass, the bold AirBaltic titles. This is something that leaves a lasting impression. I hope at some point in the future, another airport picks up this design.

Fourteen...

Well that's it for fourteen.

Ok now here is the render that not only I like the most, but this is also the design that was officially chosen. The design that AirBaltic will call its new home. The reason I am writing this ridiculous post. Because this thing is becoming a reality and I want it badly!! For lack of a better word in regards of design, look, environment, and feel... This design is PERFECT! 

Now tell me this just isn't stunning? Beautiful? The perfect choice? Tell me you have no interest in this? That you have no desire to pull up to the gate in your brand new QW Avroliner? This my friends is what the hooplah is all about. Sadly, AirBaltic's website had a vote poll which closed and I missed my shot to vote on the one they chose anyway...

So who should be the developer to put this into FS? Aerosoft? FSDT? Blueprint? HAHA!! That was funny!! I know George of FlyTampa is looking for small airports to do. But I have another developer in mind. One who is putting a lot of focus in Eastern Europe lately. Yes, I am thinking of a developer I consider to be FS's fastest growing developer. I am thinking of some guys in Poland.

Thanks for reading, and you can google the many, many other renditions of the future Evra countless firms created. Some really interesting stuff out there.

So to put us back into the world of flight simulation, here is a little something to close out on...

EVASim has set out to develop Riga in it's current state. The project already appears to be in an advanced stage of development. You can follow their progress here:

http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427838

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