The concept offered by the Spanish architects was to integrate the object into the unique environment surrounding it as naturally as possible. The architects offered building on the Tauras Hill a few separate parts of the building, which would be interconnected by an open ground floor, creating a “green corridor”, and setting up a great and a small concert hall in the building. The design also sensitively incorporates the territory of the Lutheran Garden and the park on the Tauras Hill.
The international jury, headed by Norwegian architect Ole Gustavsen (Jury Chair and UIA representative), commended the winning entry by Arquivio Architects (Spain). Jury members noted that “the design of the three volumes and the new plaza provides a clear and fitting intermediate level of detail between the city and the interior spaces.” The jury added that the winning entry had proposed a solution ensuring functional communications and acoustic solutions that would satisfy the requirements for an open, multifunctional art centre, featuring a premium classical music concert hall with natural acoustics in which the residing orchestra would feel at home.
The international jury, headed by Norwegian architect Ole Gustavsen (Jury Chair and UIA representative), commended the winning entry by Arquivio Architects (Spain). Jury members noted that “the design of the three volumes and the new plaza provides a clear and fitting intermediate level of detail between the city and the interior spaces.” The jury added that the winning entry had proposed a solution ensuring functional communications and acoustic solutions that would satisfy the requirements for an open, multifunctional art centre, featuring a premium classical music concert hall with natural acoustics in which the residing orchestra would feel at home.
“The only constraint in competitions like this is we ourselves as professionals. We take a very responsible look at the entire process, the purpose, the expectations and desires, the deadlines, the correlation of the created model with the city and its environment, its integration into the landscape. You know, our work is like basketball – it requires a lot of quality work, a lot of skills and success. Let this achievement be our gift to the city of Vilnius and the entire country.”
Daniel Fraile, architect from “Arquivio Architects”.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Mindaugas Kvietkauskas, the Minister of Culture for the Republic of Lithuania, congratulated the winners, adding that he would very much like to see the National Concert Hall as an "inviting place, open to everyone, a place of harmony, for people of different generations, views and tastes, bringing together Lithuanian citizens into a single creative space where we could create our own Home of Nation together."
Construction of the building is set to start in 2021. The architects received a prize of EUR 60,000.
Second prize was awarded to Fres architects and planners Laurent Gravier+Sara Martin Camara, France, while UAB PALEKO ARCHSTUDIJA, Lithuania, was awarded third prize. The jury also gave an honourable mention to Smar Architecture Studio, Australia.
