Lithuania architecture news 2024, Baltic State building projects, Construction design architects, Property images
Lithuania Architecture News
New Baltic Architectural Development – Eastern Europe Built Environment Updates.
post updated 18 August 2024
Lithuania Architecture Designs, chronological list
Architectural Report by Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Kaunas 9th Fort Sculpture
Built: 1984
Design: Alfonsas Vincentas Ambraziūnas
The Kaunas 9th Fort Sculpture in Lithuania is a striking example of Soviet-era monumental art, designed by sculptor Alfonsas Vincentas Ambraziūnas and completed in 1984. The sculpture, known as the “Monument to the Victims of Fascism,” commemorates those who perished at the fort during World War II. Its brutalist design features massive, jagged concrete forms that rise dramatically from the ground, symbolizing both anguish and defiance. The sculpture’s fragmented, abstract shapes convey a sense of shattered lives and resilience. This powerful memorial, with its raw, imposing structure, stands as a stark reminder of historical atrocities and human suffering.
photographs © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Vilnius Palace of Concerts and Sports
Built: 1971
Design: Eduardas Chlomauskas
The Vilnius Palace of Concerts and Sports in Lithuania, completed in 1971, is a notable example of Soviet Modernist architecture. Designed by architect Eduardas Chlomauskas, the building is characterized by its distinctive, sweeping roofline and brutalist aesthetic. The structure features a large, undulating concrete shell, which creates a dramatic, wave-like effect, blending form with function.
The interior was designed to accommodate various events, reflecting the multifunctional purpose typical of Soviet public buildings. Despite its deteriorating condition, the palace remains an iconic symbol of mid-20th-century architecture, embodying the bold, experimental spirit of the era.
photographs © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Vilnius Wedding Palace
Built: 1974
Design: Gediminas Baravykas
The Vilnius Wedding Palace, completed in 1974, is an elegant example of Soviet Modernist architecture in Lithuania. Designed by architect Gediminas Baravykas, the building showcases a blend of modernism with traditional Lithuanian motifs. The structure is characterized by its clean lines, geometric forms, and use of natural materials like marble and wood.
Its facade features a series of vertical windows that create a rhythmic pattern, while the interior is adorned with stylized decorative elements, reflecting the ceremonial purpose of the space. The palace’s harmonious design emphasizes light and openness, making it a unique and culturally significant architectural landmark in Vilnius.
photographs © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Previously on e-architect:
Lithuania Building News
Architectural Projects in this Baltic State + Key New Property Designs
28 & 27 September 2023
Kaunas Modernism Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site – Application Prepared by Experts Led by Prof. Marija Drėmaitė from VU
The headquarters of the milk processing company “Pieno centras“:
photograph courtesy of Vilnius University
The inclusion of Kaunas modernist architecture (Modern Kaunas: The Architecture of Optimism, 1919–1939) on the World Heritage List, approved by the members of the World Heritage Committee, was announced at the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The group of experts who drafted the application was led by Marija Drėmaitė, a professor at the Faculty of History of Vilnius University (VU).
“This is the culmination of a great effort from scholars and diplomats who have been drafting the nomination for three years. We have managed to get approval from the member states on the UNESCO Committee, which means that our reasoning convinced the experts. Kaunas has an exceptional overall value; it is important in the context of the world’s cultural heritage as an example of local modernism. From now on, this architecture will be considered a characteristic example of the modernisation of the whole of Eastern and Central Europe. If you want to discover what happened in the countries that emerged from the grip of empires between the two world wars, come to Kaunas. The entire optimistic idea of the capitals of newly independent countries is concentrated there,” Prof. M. Drėmaitė comments on the success.
The Bank of Lithuania’s building, Kaunas:
picture courtesy of Vilnius University
The application, which was approved on Monday, introduces the phenomenon of the creation of Kaunas, the temporary capital of Lithuania from 1919 to 1939. It emphasises that Kaunas is an exceptional example of a modern city characterised by rapid urbanisation and modernisation, distinguishing itself with different expressions of values and achievements related to an optimistic belief in an independent future. It is suggested that the architecture of Kaunas represents the multifaceted nature of modernism and reveals the optimistic mindset of a newly emerging modern country and the ambitious expectations of building a new capital, intertwined with the traditions of the city and the country.
The Bank of Lithuania’s building in Kaunas:
photo courtesy of Vilnius University
The members of the Committee have assessed Kaunas Modernism as a huge discovery of value in the context of the world heritage of modernism. The detailed nomination revealed and demonstrated the exceptional qualities of Kaunas Modernism and introduced a conceptual narrative of the architecture of optimism. This positive outcome is an example of successful cooperation between Lithuanian institutions and experts in drafting, presenting, and defending the application.
“These applications are subject to very high requirements. Our nomination consisted of almost 400 pages. A large team worked on it. I am delighted that the book I edited and the outcome of the work of seven more authors of Architecture of Optimism: The Kaunas Phenomenon 1918–1940 constituted the basis for this nomination. Thus, the nomination itself was based on a large scholarly and academic research,” shares Prof. M. Drėmaitė, the chairperson of the Heritage Research Studies study programme of the Faculty of History of VU.
Prof. M. Drėmaitė, a professor at the Faculty of History of VU, has led the group of experts in the 2019–2021 nomination Modern Kaunas: the Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939. The group drafted the application for the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and, as part of the Lithuanian delegation, introduced the nomination at the session of the UNESCO’S World Heritage Committee in Riyadh.
Pieno centras milk processing company HQ in Kaunas
photo courtesy of Vilnius University
When analysing what practical changes this will bring to Kaunas, the historian of architecture reveals that the expansion of tourism is one of the most important economic factors: “Many countries compete and seek to be included on this list with the aim of promoting cultural tourism. The way to also receive indirect funds has been opened up – through the organisation of conferences, restoration, and conservation. We are right to expect not only cultural but also economic benefits.”
7 July 2023
BAUA membership withdrawal from International Union of Architects News
BAUA membership withdrawal from UIA
13 Feb 2023
Business Stadium Central, Vilnius
Design: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
render : Frontop
Business Stadium Central, Vilnius
The City of Vilnius has granted approval of Business Stadium Central designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for the Lithuanian developer Hanner. Integrated within the Vilnius City Plan and the popular public square adjacent to the site, Business Stadium Central will be a new gathering place for the city.
4 Jan 2023
Architectural Challenge 2022 winners
image courtesy of architects practice
Architectural Challenge 2022 Competition
The best project was a building inspired by the bicycle elements of wheels and stars and their circular motion. Organized by Ryterna Modul, a company that manufactures modular buildings, this year’s architecture competition attracted 100 entries from around the world.
More contemporary Lithuania Architecture News on e-architect soon
Lithuania Architecture News in 2019 – 2022
18 Oct 2021
KIWI, Vilnius
Design: PUPA – Public Urbanism Personal Architecture
photo : Norbert Tukaj
Interactive Platform KIWI, Vilnius
KIWI is a platform that allows local communities to control their street traffic in a democratic way with real time implementation. PUPA’s mission is to empower local residents and businesses to democratically decide what kind of street they want to live in, and how much traffic they want to allow through.
24 Sep 2021
Vilnius railway station renewal
Design: Zaha Hadid Architects
render : Negativ
Vilnius railway station building design
The evaluation commission of the international architectural competition to select the best concepts for the redevelopment of the Vilnius railway station complex and surrounding area awarded the highest ranking to the proposal by Zaha Hadid Architects. Zaha Hadid Architects’ ‘Green Connect’ proposal creates an integrated transportation hub for the 21st century with new civic spaces enveloped by nature.
13 Jun 2020
V-PLAZA, Vienybės aikštė, Kaunas
Architects: 3deluxe
image : Norbert Tukaj
V-PLAZA in Kaunas
In the midst of a newly designed building ensemble boasting bright facades and ultramodern workspaces, the German architecture practice has created a visionary plaza that is a celebration of contemporary mobility. Cyclists and scooters cruise along organically curved levels, between them oases of tranquility, water features, cafes, and restaurants.
2 Jun 2020
Kaunas Concert Centre in Central Lithuania
20 May 2020
New Vilnius Concert Hall Design
24 Oct 2019
Hotel Pacai, Vilnius
Architect: Saulius Mikštas
image courtesy of architects
Hotel Pacai in Vilnius
New accommodation for Design Hotels located within what is regarded as the most magnificent 17th century mansion of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The property offers 104 guest rooms, 2 conference spaces, a lounge bar, and 2 dining outlets.
24 Sep 2019
National Concert Hall Competition in Vilnius
Design: Orange Architects, in collaboration with ABT and Felixx
image courtesy of architects
National Concert Hall Competition in Vilnius
The architectural concept for the National Concert Hall is based on the duality of two spatial themes: ‘the mountain’ and ‘the cloud’.
9 Sep 2019
Vilnius Concert Hall Contest Design
Architects: IATBW (International Architecture Team for Better World)
image courtesy of architects
Vilnius Concert Hall Contest Design
31 Mar 2019
Užvingio Island Bridge, Vilnius
Design: KILD Architects
image Courtesy architecture office
Užvingio Island Bridge in Vilnius
The idea of the derives from the archival research of urban, environmental and historical material of the surrounding areas.
Competition proposal reflects the functional needs of the current layout while offering a new identity, responding to the historical features of the place. The project restores the historic island of Užvingis as an additional public space – a park that expands the green areas of the city.
Lithuania Architecture News 2018
12 Aug 2018
Nemunas Island International Design Competition
Design: KILD Architects
image courtesy of architects
Nemunas Island International Design Competition
International contest for a major new cycle route over the River Nemunas.
28 Apr 2018
Venice Biennale Lithuanian Pavilion 2018
image courtesy of The Swamp School
Venice Biennale Lithuanian Pavilion 2018
As part of Freespace, the 16th International Architecture Exhibition of Biennale Architettura 2018, Lithuania presents its first individual pavilion titled The Swamp School, curated by Nomeda and Gediminas Urbonas, commissioned by Pippo Ciorra, presented by the Lithuanian Council for Culture and produced by the Architecture Fund.
14 Apr 2018
Housing on S.Lozoraitis Street, Vilnius
Design: KILD Architects
image from architecture office
New Housing in Vilnius
The site is located on outskirts of Vilnius, one of the heighest poits of the city which enfolds the perimeter of the Rokantiskes hill. The housing quarter silhouette is defined by the Rokantiskiu hill’s topography, where the mountain is the main characteristic element dictating the layout of the components.
More contemporary Lithuania Architecture News on e-architect soon
Lithuanian Architectural Updates 2017 and earlier
29 Sep 2017
Kaunas M.K. Čiurlionis Concert Centre Architecture Competition Finalists
image from architects
Kaunas M.K. Čiurlionis Concert Centre Architecture Contest
UAB Paleko Archstudija and UAB Baltic Engineers; Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios; and Adam Khan Architects announced as the finalists of the Kaunas M.K. Čiurlionis Concert Centre International Design Contest. 117 teams entered the contest from 36 countries. This regenerative project for the European Capital of Culture 2022 will foreground the River Nemunas and revitalise a central area close to the historic Old Town
12 Apr 2017
Bazillion Apartment – Warm and Cold, Vilnius
Architects: YCL Studio
photo : Leonas Garbačauskas / AGROB BUCHTAL
New Apartment in Vilnius
In the Bazillion apartment, YCL Studio has drawn a clear line between the day and the night program of this pied-à-terre for two, while simultaneously blurring the conventional division between the ‘wet’ and the ‘dry’ part of a dwelling.
6 Apr 2017
Martynas Mažvydas National Library, Vilnius
Architects: 2XJ
photo : Leonas Garbačauskas
Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania
The new interior design for the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania was created in the context of the renovation of the building which was originally constructed in 1963.
17 Dec 2016
Science Island International Design Contest Winners Onlinem Nemuno sala (Nemunas Island), Kaunas
Entry by SimpsonHaugh and Partners:
image from architects
Science Island International Design Contest, Kaunas
Science Island International Design Contest online gallery, showcasing the three winning and five commended designs for the Science Island International Design Contest, launched by the architecture competition organiser Malcolm Reading Consultants, in association with Kaunas City Municipality.
9 Nov 2016
Science Island International Design Contest Entry by Alper Derinbogaz
Design: Alper Derinbogaz, Architects
image from architects
Science Island design entry by Alper Derinbogaz Architects
3 Nov 2016
Science Island International Design Contest Winners
Design: Architects of Invention
image from architects
Kaunas Science Centre Competition Entry
24 Oct 2016
The Volcano – Subterranean Science Museum, Science Island, Kaunas,
Architects: Bread studio
image from architects
Subterranean Science Museum in Kaunas
Bread studio designed a subterranean science museum in Kaunas, one of UNESCO’s global creative cities. The design causes minimal disruption to the beautiful landscape of the Science Island and reduces the energy consumption up to 50% by burying most of functions under a mount. The entry was ranked 18th out of the 144 entries in the phase 1 of the international competition.
18 Oct 2016
Valley Villa, Vilnius
Architects: Arches
photograph © Arches
Valley Villa Vilnius
A contemporary, eco-friendly villa within close proximity to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania and the country’s largest city. Clad in 650 sqm of sustainable wood, this unique property has been built to complement the scenery, with natural timber cladding and irregular pitched roofs, characteristic of the neighbouring surroundings and in harmony with the hillsides and pine trees.
Lithuanian Architecture Tours by e-architect
more Lithuania Architecture News online soon
Location: Lithuania, Baltic Region, eastern Europe
Buildings in Lithuania
Headquarters of Prosecutors office, Vilnius, southeastern Lithuania
Design: KLAP – Kestutis Lupeikis Architectural Projects
Prosecutors Office Vilnius
Litexpo Exhibition Pavilion, Vilnius
Architects: Paleko Archstudija
Litexpo Exhibition Pavilion
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Building Design, Vilnius
Design: Zaha Hadid Architects
Guggenheim Museum Vilnius : Lithuanian Design Competition
Swedbank head office building, Vilnius
Architects: Audrius Ambrasas
Swedbank building
k18B Building Complex in Vilnius by Libeskind
Palanga Concert Hall in Lithuania
Pavilniai Regional Park House Lithuania
Science Island International Design Contest
Architecture in Eastern Europe
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