The brief for the refurbishment of the former 8.500 M2 Town Hall on the main street of Vilnius and conversion in to a 19.500 M2 high profile shopping mall stressed that the new centre should offer modern facilities in an atmospheric setting while respecting and highlighting the façade's historical assets.
This has been translated not only into a building re-use but a space optimization supported by the historical shell, while incorporating new design elements.
A unique glass/aluminium dome of 460 M2 covers the original court yard. The glas/alu segments is formed in eye catching triangles with the visually small cross-section profiles. The aluminium construction enabled to reduce weight and the gross load of the construction and at the same time optimize the use of natural daylight. The glas units fitted with sun control function preventing from overheating during hot summer day. The south eastern corner is opened to Gedimino Avenue, and the small piece of land facing east creates a new public space that provides both a break in the streetscape while acknowledging Vilnius' tradition of integrating parks within the built environment.
