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After initially considering the building to be plastered in green, an updated version reproducing the red brick texture was presented to the Kaunas Council of Architecture and Urbanism Experts (KAUET) on Wednesday.
“We have a rather archaic and intricate facade of the building and the idea of maintaining it, emphasizing … and modernizing the interior,” said architect Raimundas Labutis at the KAUET meeting.
Previously, greenish plaster was offered for the building’s facade. According to the architect, this decision arose from the rush to submit the project for financing on time, but it was reconsidered and it is currently planned to cover the facade with a natural material that imitates bricks.
The KAUET experts, having raised the issue of preserving the object’s authenticity and color, responded positively to the proposed reconstruction project and tended to view it positively.
“We have provided two variants of the facade and we are looking for advice, but the idea is to use a material … that corresponds to the brick,” said R. Labutis.
The color of the panels is chosen according to the existing facade. In one variant, everything is still red brick, in another, with plaster inserts.
The architect Gintaras Balčytis criticized the decision to choose imitation and “draw” bricks on the facade; Other architects also recommended avoiding imitation, urging consideration of insulating the building from the inside and preserving authentic bricks.
He also noted that the main entrance to the building remains with a staircase, which restricts access for the disabled. However, the authors of the reconstruction stressed that the disabled can easily access the ground floor.
Photo of the Rome Project
Inside the building, the authors tried to preserve what is valuable in it: marble decoration, floors, an impressive chandelier hanging in the atrium. Part of the spaces, now enclosed by walls, will be opened, a rooftop terrace will be installed for visitors and a cafeteria will be located on it, which will be served from the cafeteria premises located on the second floor.
The author of the library project, architect Boleslovas Zabulionis, was also surprised that the building “turned green” in the proposed project and stated that the adjusted proposals satisfied him.
“It is very good that the attitude has changed now: everything has changed, those catalogs are no longer necessary, everything has been digitized. There has been a lot of space that can be used in a completely different way, productively. I am happy with that cleaning, “said the architect.
He said that the building is very economical and emits a lot of heat through the walls; Unfortunately, everything comes out through the windows, which, according to the architect, were opened after the construction of the library. He also said that the building needs a good roof renovation.
After the reconstruction, the building is expected to reach energy class C.
“The reconstruction must be better than it is. I want to correct my mistakes. Another thing is to preserve that image, as I understand it, it is appreciated by all,” said B. Zabulionis about the project.
Architect Audrys Karalius asked if there was any plan to change the library stairs: The main entrance to the second floor of the building would become extremely slippery in winter. According to the architects, it is not planned to change it, because the entrance also determines the functions of the floors, but the polished granite cladding will definitely change.
11.3 million are planned for the reconstruction of the library. euros, which, according to the architects, is a fairly modest amount, which limits the solutions.
Construction work is slated to begin in 2021. Reconstruction works are scheduled to be completed in two years.
During the reconstruction, the building on Radast calle Street will not function, visitors will be served at K. Donelaičio 8 Street. Publications will be made to read on site and at home, trainings, cultural events, educational activities and other activities.
Other facilities are sought for the administrative work of library staff and activities not related to visitor service.
The rebuilt library building will be equipped with modern fire detection and extinguishing systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that will maintain a proper microclimate in the library for readers and staff, and document storage will ensure adequate temperature and humidity to store publications. Modifications will also be made to engineering networks.
The library spaces will be renovated with interior finishing work to maintain a certain authenticity and implement modern solutions.
According to the library, at the initiative of the heads of the municipality of the city of Kaunas, together with Ąžuolynas, access to the library will be managed and the problem of parking spaces in the library will be solved.
The renovated library building will house a family and children’s leisure center, where book presentations for children will be held, excursions, events, education, games and evenings for the whole family will be organized.
The Makerspace will host creative open workshops for children, youth, and others who want to implement their ideas and love to make crafts.
The library will house a documentary center for the restoration of cultural heritage, which will guarantee the preservation of old and rare prints stored here.
During reconstruction, modern special storage facilities will also be installed to store the archival copy of the national press.
A multimedia art studio and sound recording will be established with all the necessary equipment. In the library it will be possible to use video creation and processing programs, learn to take photos, create music or other sound recordings and try virtual reality.
There will be individual and group workspaces on several floors, where those who want to work without extraneous noise can reserve an individual work cabin. It will also be possible to reserve spaces of various sizes for group work.
The Kaunas County Library, located in the Žaliakalnis district near the hillside, was built in 1977-1986.
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