Daniel Libeskind wins competition for mixed-use glass tower in Lithuania

Daniel Libeskind wins competition for mixed-use glass tower in Lithuania

The bold, sculptural design of the building – called The Downtown Tower-k18B –is designed to reflect the light, sky and surroundings / Studio Libeskind

Studio Libeskind have won an international architectural competition for a mixed-use complex to be built in the business district of Vilnius, Lithuania.

The firm swayed the judges with their vision for a 20,000sq m (215,000sq ft) complex formed of an 18-storey tower atop a six-storey podium – with the two linked by a luminous glass galeria.

The bold, sculptural design of the building – called The Downtown Tower-k18B – is designed to reflect the light, sky and surroundings with a play of transparent and opaque surfaces.

The ground floor will host public facilities including a restaurant, bar and retail zone, as well as an upper-scale hotel. The upper floors will be used as office space.

“The idea is to create a 21st-century landmark, while integrating the surrounding context to complement the urban fabric of the historic city,” said studio founder Daniel Libeskind. “The design will create a vibrant mixed-use complex that will invigorate and enliven the development of the neighbourhood.”

The competition was organised by the Vilnius Municipality, Lithuanian Union of Architects and Lords LB Asset Management, which is funding the build. Around €40m (US$44.5m, £33.4m) will be invested in the project.

Studio Libeskind have found Lithuania a receptive destination for their designs. They are currently building the new Modern Art Centre of Vilnius and a sports and wellness centre called Vilnius Beacon.

source: Clad