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The Lithuanian Syndicate of Architects awarded the Lithuanian Contemporary Architecture Awards “A Look at Yourself 2019-2020”. Top 5: Laisvės Alley Reconstruction Project prepared by Šarūnas Kiaunė Design Studio, evaluated for best performance.
Recognition of foreign professionals
This year 160 works were submitted to the competition, of which 3 awards were obtained by architects from Kaunas. According to Š., Who withdrew the prestigious evaluation for the second time. Kiaunės, this nomination is an honor and pride for all citizens.
“It was really unexpected, especially considering the fact that the commission members were only foreigners. We implemented the project together with the city, for which we share the well-deserved recognition with all the residents of Kaunas. I hope this wave of renewal in Kaunas will descend into the courtyards on the sides of Laisvės Alley and the surrounding public spaces, ”said architect Š. A marten.
The works submitted to the competition have traditionally been evaluated by a jury of architects from various countries: Xander Vermeulen Windsant (Netherlands), Māra Ābele (Latvia) and Kalle Komissarov (Estonia). Only invited renowned architects, who select 5 nominated works, participate in the evaluation commission.
City of Kaunas municipal photo
An inspiring project for a pleasant space
“The rebuilding of Laisvės Alley is an inspiring project, carried out with special attention to details and materials and highlighting the importance of the city’s main alley. Liberty Alley has become a beautiful and friendly urban space. We admire the masterful and meticulous work involved in creating public spaces in the city. We hope that this will inspire similar projects in other Lithuanian cities as well, ”said Xander V. Windsant, one of the members of the evaluation commission.
Rūta Leitanaitė, curator of the competition and president of the Union of Lithuanian Architects, says that licensed foreign architects are used to evaluate the works not only because of their objectivity: “There is another reason. Going further, without knowing the context, it is possible to see the characteristics of projects that are invisible to us, reflections of advanced global trends. This is how we look at ourselves, but through the eyes of others. “
Today, we are all happy with the radically changed space, which can now really be called the heart of Kaunas.
The reconstruction of the longest pedestrian street in Eastern Europe started in 2015. In a couple of years for 4.3 million. The first stage of Laisvės Alley, which covered the section between Independence Square and A. Mickevičiaus Street, was fundamentally renovated.
“During the first stage renovation, we had challenges with the new granite flooring. Their materiality, product form was a new experience for both us and the contractors. Subsequently, the operation highlighted other weaknesses. Based on the experience of the first stage, the designers specified the solutions of the other stages, ”said Aloyzas Pakalniškis, Head of the Department of Urban Management of the municipality of Kaunas, on the challenges of reconstruction.
In the spring of 2018, approximately 15 million LTLs were signed with the Autokausta and Kauno tiltai companies. The value of the contract for the remaining four sections of the alley. Interestingly, they took as long to implement as the first phase.
“There were a lot of heated discussions about the restoration and revitalization of Laisvės Alley. We wanted a faster pace, but we were not willing to spend any money either. I think everything went smoothly. Kaunas residents have shown patience and understanding, and today we are all happy with the radically changed space, which can now truly be called the heart of Kaunas. I am glad that this work by the architects has received such a strong evaluation from their competent colleagues, “added the Mayor of Kaunas, Visvaldas Matijošaitis.
The last hits are put
This fall, the reconstruction of the alley was crowned by the renewed carriageway on A. Mickevičiaus street at the intersection with Laisvės alley: a stronger granite pavement was laid and the joints were filled with special putty. The section, which is characterized by relatively heavy traffic, is expected to be more durable and long-lasting.
“We had to do extra work, but the point is simple: make the coating last as long as possible. In about a month, we will organize the documentation and the reconstruction of Laisv Las Alley will be officially completed,” assured A. Pakalniškis.
Recently, the entrances to Laisvės Alley have been extensively renovated. By the end of the year, Kęstučio Street will be completely repaired, works will accelerate on S. Daukanto Street across the alley, and soon road users who have completed their tasks will move from L. Sapiegos Street, which is being completed. .
City of Kaunas municipal photo
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