Science Island in Kaunas, Lithuania
Concept design for Lithuania’s new National Science and Innovation Centre along with an urban integration plan for Nemunas Island. International design contest.
partner
Maciej Siuda Pracownia Projektowa
authors
Anna Kogut, Jakub Andrzejewski, Jan Skiba, Maciej Siuda, Marta Tomasiak, Piotr Bladziak
area
33 ha
budget
25 000 000,00 € brutto
client
Kaunas City Municipality
year
2016
Redefining the Bilbao Effect
The project proposes a redefinition of The Bilbao Effect phenomena. It broadens the understanding of an architectural icon - turning towards locality and offering a design solution that enhance the meaning of the public space. It is to be achieved by creating an attractive and multifunctional Island Public Park with the Science Centre building sited within the landscape.
The Building is the Island
It is the island that ‘drives’ the building project. The architectural object grows from the landscape. The structure is literally covered by the grounds of the island. The design gently modifies the terrain layout and fits naturally with the cityscape context. The building and the public spaces - attractive and characteristic - become a humble architectural icon.
Meadows - The Island Public Park
The project proposes Nemunas Island Public Park divided into 3 different zones. The ‘loud’ one on the east side retains sport and recreational functions spread within the urban forest. The middle one is located centrally and consists of community gardens, public orchard and beach. And the third, ‘quite’ one in the closest surrounding of the Science Centre with the outdoor exhibit spaces.
The island is densified with native trees and wild meadow-like vegetation that enhance urban biodiversity. The parking is dispersed within the urban forest and designed as several small scale parking areas. The path system follows existing walking routes and is connected to the future bridge link to the new Convention Centre building. There is a car access rout planned to the Science Center.
