Reaton Architecture and Construction Centre introduces a new professional tradition – Trends & Talks, a platform designed to connect diverse schools of thought, international perspectives, and the expertise of Latvian design professionals.
It is important to emphasise that Trends & Talks is not a product presentation or a commercial seminar.
It is a space for discussion and ideas, where architects, designers, and construction professionals examine what truly defines the architecture of tomorrow – ways of thinking, material culture, the construction of spatial experience, and new interpretations.
This combination – high-quality content paired with an engaging networking format – makes Trends & Talks a standout initiative within the Latvian industry landscape.
A Professional Platform, Not a Sales Event
Dmitrijs Bugajevs, Director of Reaton Building Materials and Interior Department, explains:
“We are developing “Trends & Talks” as a professional meeting point — a place for conversations, knowledge exchange, and broadening perspectives in an informal yet content-rich environment. We are intentionally creating a space where architecture and design are discussed in essence – through ideas, solutions, and practices that shift habits, perception, and influence the industry as a whole. I am confident that this format will become an annual tradition that brings professionals together, strengthens industry dialogue, and raises the overall bar of quality.”
Perspectives from International and Latvian Experts
This year’s event brought together two powerful schools of thought on one stage — the Dutch architecture office Beyond Space and the Latvian design studio H2E.
Their collaboration created a dynamic interplay between conceptual thinking, material culture, and design functionality.
H2E: Navigation as a Design Language
H2E co-founders and professors at the Art Academy of Latvia, Holgers Elers and Ingūna Elere, presented the topic “Navigation and Trends”, highlighting space as a communication platform.
Key points:
- Navigation defines how people interact with a space – how we orient ourselves, how we feel, and how we perceive the environment.
- The role of design is to make information visible, intuitive, and easy to use.
- Functional and interpretative navigation form the foundation of spatial accessibility and inclusive environments.
- Design must be meaningful — not follow trends, but create them.
H2E underscored an essential principle: space is not decoration – it is the structure of human experience. Its purpose is not to create background aesthetics, but to form reference points that shape thinking, perception, and behaviour.
Beyond Space: Interpreting Material Culture
Architect Remi Versteeg, co-founder of Beyond Space, presented “Material Cancel Culture”, exploring the use of materials in architecture and the biases deeply rooted within the industry.
Key insights:
- Materials are not problem-solvers but carriers of identity – they shape the narrative of a space.
- Preconceptions about “right” and “wrong” materials are unfounded – beauty lies in interpretation, not in a material’s pedigree.
- Non-traditional material use can create new qualities and broaden industry thinking.
- Designers are not tasked with selecting “beautiful things” but with revealing beauty where others may not see it.
Remi positioned material as a tool for challenging assumptions and establishing a new aesthetic order.
Spaces for Inspiration, Not Product Displays
The event also welcomed international manufacturers – Italy: Ceramiche Refin, Imola Ceramica, Ceramica del Conca; Germany: Eternit, Hansgrohe, AXOR, Zehnder; Poland: New Trendy; Spain: Stacbond, TRES; Netherlands: Forbo Flooring, and other partners.
However, crucially:
The manufacturers’ areas were not set up as commercial product showcases.
They were designed as spaces for exploration and inspiration, where guests could:
- experience textures through touch,
- observe material nuances,
- understand technological capabilities,
- sense how materials work in a real-world context.
The goal was to provide professionals with a free and unobtrusive environment for material discovery.
Reaton – A Professional Platform Growing Alongside the Industry
Reaton continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner for architects, designers, and construction professionals. The company is investing in the development of educational platforms and the promotion of knowledge exchange.
Key directions include:
- a specialised finishing materials exposition,
- professional experts and content-rich industry events.
Digital Accessibility – A New Stage in Reaton’s Development
A significant milestone: Reaton is expanding its digital presence to be even closer to clients and partners, introducing a new website and an online store for finishing materials. These tools make it easy to explore products, compare solutions, and make informed decisions anytime, anywhere.
The digital environment is becoming an integral part of Reaton service ecosystem, ensuring continuous access to information and streamlining the work of architects, designers, and construction professionals.
In doing so, Reaton reinforces its role as an open, accessible, and knowledge-driven industry platform – one that grows together with professionals and their evolving needs.
