LITHUANIA: The city of Vilnius and national railway LTG have launched an international architectural competition seeking ‘radical’ proposals to create an ‘iconic and globally recognisable’ multi-modal transport terminal and public realm for the capital.
‘Our goal is that any person who arrives in Vilnius by train or bus immediately sees that it is a vibrant city of the future, and when they step into the station square or street, they will feel that the city is cosy, green, and inspiring’, said Mayor Remigijus Šimašius on March 8. ‘I hope that many bold ideas will be submitted which would allow this ambition to be realised.’
LTG said it wanted the redesigned station area to meet the highest quality standards, with an attractive public square and good connections between public transport and the urban surroundings.
‘Projects for the reconstruction of stations in the world’s capital cities usually take place only once in a century, so this open call is an historic opportunity for the world’s best architects to define a vision for future generations’, said LTG Chief Executive Mantas Bartušk. ‘The partnership for reconstructing the station district reflects our determination to open up previously closed industrial spaces for the city and to adapt them for the people.
‘We want to create spaces that correspond to the best examples of western European railway stations. The station would not only be a point of travel, but also a new attraction centre with leisure and service spaces, comfortable connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone choosing comfortable and eco-friendly trips by train.’
Tender documents for the Vilnius Connect project have been prepared by consultancy Civitta and the Architects Association of Lithuania.
Proposals should be submitted by May 31, and will be evaluated by an 11-member committee of architects, planners and representatives of LTG and the city council.
The winner to be announced in June will receive a €50 000 prize, with the second placed proposal getting €30 000, third place €20 000 and the fourth and the fifth places €10 000 each.
