m.k. čiurlionis concert centre.
Competition
H. ir O. Minkovskiy g.
Kaunas (LT)
In Lithuania’s capital Kaunas, which is European Capital of Culture 2022, a new multifunctional concert and cultural centre with 11,750 m² and public open space with 6,600 m² near the city centre and directly on the river Nemunas is to be built.
Project category
New built
Planning period
2017
Building data
Plot size: 47,890 m²
Built up area: ca. 8,000–10,000 m² planned
Gross floor area: 5,500 m²
Services
Competition
Status
Competition complete
Team
Project director: Christoph Wassmann
Project leader: Christoph Wassmann
Project team: Christoph Wassmann, Severin Turk, Clemens Aniser, Felix Steinhoff
Consultants and specialist planners
Structural planning: Bollinger Grohmann
Website
The competition proposal envisages a monumental but geometrically simple building complex. The complex consists of two superimposed platforms with embedded and overhanging, widely visible building volumes. A playfully and poetically designed river landscape with a sound forest, sculpture garden, summer stage for 1,500 people, labyrinth, playground, landing stage for ships and promenade extends around the building.
Taking advantage of the topography of the site, the upper platform forms a public square at street level, which is a waterfront residence, viewing platform and access to the cultural centre. Openings lead to the lower platform at river level, the main functional area. Delivery, service and office zones are located on the street side. Foyer and public areas such as gastronomy, shops and multifunctional event areas are a light-flooded space continuum in which the surrounding city and river landscape form an impressive backdrop. Embedded in it are the main concert hall for 1,500 people with 25 m room height, a smaller concert hall for 700 people and the conference centre for 600 people.