Today, on November 14, an interactive and educational design object – the nine-metre-wide sundial Origo Universi – was unveiled at Stacijas Square next to the Origo shopping centre. It is a gift to the City of Riga and its residents, officially presented during the opening ceremony in anticipation of Riga becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2014.

The Sundial is a design object presented as a gift to the city of Riga and its residents, marking its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2014. Artistically, it is designed as a compass that allows visitors to explore cultural landmarks and indicates distances to 11 Latvian castles and 10 culturally significant sites in cities around the world, all within a unified composition.

Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council, Andris Ameriks, commented:
“Riga’s large clocks not only measure time – for decades they have also served as traditional and beloved meeting points. Now Riga has its own sundial – Origo Universi. Another reason to meet! I wish that we always have the desire, time, and friends to meet and enjoy being together. I would also like to thank the project authors and Linstow Center Management for their interesting idea and contribution to its implementation.”

Chairman of the Board of SIA Linstow Center Management, Frode Grønvold, added:
“The location of this design object perfectly reflects the Latin name ‘Origo’ – the starting point of all coordinates. In 2014, Riga will be the European Capital of Culture, one of the most significant and prestigious cultural projects in Europe, marked by numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Linstow Center Management wanted to contribute ahead of this important event and, during the traditional light festival Staro Rīga, present the city and its residents with this gift – the sundial Origo Universi. The object is placed in a historically significant location, which has long served as a reference point for measuring distances from the capital to other cities in Latvia.”

Head of the foundation “Riga 2014”, Diāna Čivle, noted:
“There are just over 400 days until Riga officially assumes this honourable title and celebrates it throughout the year as the European Capital of Culture. We are especially pleased to prepare for this important event together with businesses that act responsibly towards culture and the urban environment, investing in its development. The urban design object Origo Universi is also included in the Staro Rīga festival programme, as it will be illuminated during the night.”