With the support of the Riga City Council Welfare Department, SOCINTEGRA developed a 3D model of the Jugla neighborhood from June until the end of 2021.

Jugla is a quiet residential district of Riga, also known as the “blind neighborhood,” where people live, study, work, and receive rehabilitation. The main street — Braila Street — winds with many curves and turns, making navigation difficult even for sighted people. That is why the 3D model became an important solution to improve spatial perception and orientation for people with visual impairments.

The model is based on a magnetic board with fixed 3D-printed objects. To ensure accuracy, every path was physically checked, since some pedestrian routes were not even marked on Google Maps. Correctness of the map is vital, as mistakes could cause a risk of getting lost. Work on the model continues to refine every single route.

Watch the video of blind rehabilitation specialist Natalya Muravyova testing the first stage of creating the layout, and Here is the video of the rehabilitator’s session.