Managers of the National Library of Latvia or the Castle of Light have decided that from now on the building’s facade will not be washed ever again, as reported by 360 TV programme Ziņneši.
The library’s facade was washed for the first and last time seven years ago, and it cost EUR 117 000.
LNB Maintenance Department’s Director Juris Ģiedris explains that the washing of the building’s facade was originally performed following pressure from residents and various media, adding that there was no need to do it in the first place.
Gaismas pils fasāde ir mazgāta tikai vienu reizi, 2016.g., un tas izmaksāja 117 000 €. LNB uzsver, ka tas noticis pēc mediju spiediena, jo patiesībā fasādes mazgāšana neesot bijusi vajadzīga. Ir pagājuši 7 gadi kopš pēdējās mazgāšanas, un LNB apsaimniekotāji lēmuši, ka turpmāk… pic.twitter.com/eoCbPE4MOc
— Nepareizais (@realNepareizais) September 17, 2023
Ģiedris said the architect used stainless steel elements in the building. This means they do not require any special care. And this is why the decision was made to not clean the parts of the building that contain stainless steel elements.
This is especially true for the roof structures, which have a stainless steel surface.
When asked if there are no plans to wash the building’s windows as well, Ģiedris said this will not apply to the glass elements of the building’s facade. “We wash the windows, and we will definitely wash windows next spring. There are areas where windows are washed more often, but because the library stands in an area with very intense road traffic, results from window-washing a short-lived,” says Ģiedris, adding that to wash all windows, it is necessary to do four to five times a year. “To do it, we have to find ways to reduce road traffic intensity around the library building. Then we will have clean windows!” said LNB representative.
Ģiedris also stresses that financial assistance was requested multiple times from Riga municipality and Ministry of Culture to secure proper maintenance for the library’s facade.
“The budget is allocated for the entire year, and we have to make do. We are under Ministry of Culture’s direct subordination and the ministry allocates the budget for the entire year,” says Ģiedris, adding that LND does not have and will not have enough funding in the near future to wash the library’s facade.
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