Hi there!

In the Baltics we discovered quite a lot of attractive projects like the one I will tell you today. The site is situated in the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius and it is called Vilnius Plaza.

I have been interested in the work of this office and their work during my studies and I am super happy to get the chance to see live one of their projects. During my bachelor, my good friends George and Silvia gave me as a gift the book “RECYCLING SPACES Curating Urban Evolution: The Landscape Design of MARTHA SCHWARTZ PARTNERS” and my curiosity about their work started to grow.

I visited the area one year after the completion, in 2020. When you are there you notice that everything is new from the surrounding buildings to the pavement. The site is a mixed use development near commercial area buildings, offices but living complex as well.  

As I was reading about this project I understood that the idea was to create a direct visual link between the Gediminas Castle Tower and the Vilnius Cathedral.

During the soviet era, this site was actually the main football stadium of Vilnius which unfortunately was now unused and became a degraded.

As in the pictures the buildings along the plaza are in full development and the new era is integrated in the site. During the last years Vilnius changed and developed and I think there is a big challenge to find the right way to plan such a place full of history but to integrate in the new character as well. The landscape architects did a great job! The urban plaza is wide and easy to navigate for everyone by foot, by bike, with the stroller or wheelchair. There is no barrier and you can either sit on a bench or choose a terrace for a drink. There are two water features with the same design and shape like the sitting elements situated at both sides of the plaza like a welcome into the area.

The sitting elements together with the vegetation are creating very dynamic and attractive features. Actually the used materials are uncomplicated namely painted concrete and a small wooden surface for sitting but the shape they are given is just superb.        

The lightning elements are individual pieces of art and I am sure that they are giving a special atmosphere to the Plaza in the evening. Unfortunately we had to leave and we didn’t get the chance to see the lightning in full beauty.

As for the vegetation, there is something blooming for each season. The trees – maples with a beautiful shape were offering a nice volume to the square. I am sure they are amazing in autumn. Generally the green areas were good maintained and in a good condition.

This was it for today. If you get the chance, visit Vilnius and visit this project. You will like it!

See you next time!

Lovingly,

Loredana