| Jānis Frīdrihs Baumanis | |
|---|---|
Jānis Frīdrihs Baumanis |
|
| Born | May 23, 1834 Riga, Russian empire Now Latvia |
| Died | March 19, 1891 (aged 56) Riga |
| Nationality | Latvian |
| Work | |
| Buildings | Riga Circus Riga Regional Court |
Jānis Frīdrihs Baumanis (May 23, 1834, Riga - March 19, 1891, Riga) was first professional Latvian architect.[1] Baumanis designed the Riga Circus in 1888.[2] He was responsible for a number of important Eclectic public buildings constructed in the second half of the 19th century in Riga.
Jānis Frīdrihs Baumanis was born in 1834 in Riga as ferryman's son. In youth started to work as carpenter. In Riga he was spotted by St. Petersburgs architect Ludvig Bohnstedt. With his support he started studies in Berlins Bauakademie (1860–62) and in St.Petersburgs academy of arts (1862–65). After that he was a government architect in Livland (now Vidzeme) until he established his own practice in Riga.
Baumanis also played important role in Latvian cultural history. In 1862 he helped to establish First union of Russian architects in St.Petersburg. In 1879 he took part to establish Union of Riga architects (Rigaer Architektten Verein). Also in 1868 he helped to establish Latvian union in Riga.
His main activity was in the area of former Riga defence walls. Sand walls in Riga was torn down in mid 19th century and a new string of boulevards was planned. He has designed 40% of buildings in this area. Mostly his buildings were eclectic (neo-renaissance and neo-gothic) with refined details and well done plastic forms.
He has designed Alexanders Gymnasium in Riga (Now Latvian academy of Music) in 1870-75. From 1887 to 1888 Baumanis was responsible for the building of the Riga Regional Court at 34 Brīvības Blvd. In its construction Baumanis drew on Classicism and Baroque influences for the facades. The structure won him considerable acclaim not only for the exterior but also for the interior design.[3] Overall he has designed more than 150 buildings in Riga.