Riga, Latvia, 2016 - Jan & Jan-Jan's Rejseklubben

The Academy of Sciences edifice was built after World War II, between 1951 and 1961, collecting the necessary financing from the newly established kolkhozes in Latvia and, as further expenses increased, collecting the finances as 'voluntary donations' deducted from the salaries of the Latvian rural population. The building is decorated with several hammer and sickle symbols as well as Latvian folk ornaments and motifs. The spire was originally decorated with a wreath and a five pointed star, which was removed after Latvia regained independence in 1991. Being 108 metres tall, it was the first skyscraper in the republic, and at the time, one of the highest reinforced concrete buildings in the world. The view of Riga cityscape is open for public viewing from the 17th-floor balcony, with a height of 65 metres.