Frigate Wallfisch and Lielais Square: A Fusion of History and Modernity

Architect David Cook's Award-Winning Design Reflects Ventspils' Identity

The design draws inspiration from Duke Jacob’s ship Wallfisch, built in 1644 in Ventspils. The fountain, which serves as the focal point of the square, imitates the ship’s superstructure, its sails, the sea, and ever-changing clouds of fog through innovative sculpturing and unprecedented water jet technology. The 3.6 ha Lielais Square and its fountain reflect Ventspils identity in a contemporary and universal environmental design, adding value to the urban environment and increasing recognition of Ventspils.

The fountain is made of thick-walled stainless steel masts with openings lighted up by 17,000 LED bulbs. The flows of water are organized in three ways – as falling water, water spurts with a parabolic effect, and mist. All modes regulate and program automatically, according to weather. The most complex part of the implementation was mast setting in an exact angularity to create an architectonically vivid composition – close to that of a sailing ship in windy weather when masts are tilted in various angles.

The design is equally attractive and sculpturally satiated at every time and all seasons around. In summer time, the fountain comes alive with water jets variability, fog mystic and LED lights effects at night. In winter darkness, thanks to LED all day around and effective sailing ship silhouette, it underlines the city`s new centre and serves as an icon of Ventspils.

The project was completed in three phases from 2013 to 2019, with the final phase being the implementation of the Music School with Concert Hall. The design faced creative, technical, and research challenges, but these were overcome to create a design that is a testament to Ventspils' history and future.

The Frigate Wallfisch and Lielais Square design was awarded Golden in A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award in 2017. The Golden A' Design Award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.