Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) ranked first in an international architectural design competition to redevelop the Vilnius railway station complex and its surrounding area. ZHA’s “Green Connect” proposal received the highest ranking as it offered a transportation hub in line with the 21st century’s innovation and ideas and, at the same time, provides new civic spaces integrated with nature.
“It is an honour to be awarded highest ranking in this competition for such a strategically important site for Vilnius. ‘Green Connect’ will be a future-proof transport hub designed with the passenger experience in mind. Providing a wealth of new public space, our proposals transform the site into a destination not only for those using the transportation hub but also for the city of Vilnius and the local community.” -Gianluca Racana, Zaha Hadid Architect’s Director
Zaha Hadid Architect’s proposal is also in line with the Vilnius city’s agenda to prioritize more sustainable transit options, including walking and cycling. Hence the practice’s concept incorporates a new public bridge over the railway tracks that connects the Naujininkai district to the south with the city center and Vilnius old town.
Render by Frontop
This approach transforms the existing rail infrastructure from a barrier that divides the city into a ‘connector’ that enhances the accessibility to various nodes in Vilnius. Moreover, it will serve as a transport hub for national and local rail services, along with the new Rail Baltic line that is connected with the high-speed network of Europe.
The high-profile architectural firm defines its approach to renovate and reuse the original station as a “contemporary interpretation informed by the existing heritage building”.
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Render by Negativ
“In a modern city, the station is no longer just a building where you can buy a ticker or sit before your trip. The station and its surroundings must become a destination providing public spaces with leisure and service areas, convenient connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and all those who choose to travel comfortably and sustainably by train. As a result, we are determined to open and convert the station’s formerly inaccessible industrial spaces for use by all residents.” -Mantas Bartuska, Head of Lietuvos Gelenzinkeliai “LTG”, the company managing the country’s railway network.
The 9,500 square meters bridge shows the transformation in its form, as well. The pitched roof defined by the existing neoclassical station’s triangular pediment transforms into softer shapes and volumes, reducing its scale to finally land at Pelosos Street. Moreover, a linear skylight along with glazed facades run along the length of the bridge to provide natural light and enhance the navigation experience through the station.
Render by Frontop
Regarding the ‘Green’ in Green Connect, several temporary structures are removed in the proposal to make room for an inhabited landscape within the upgraded Stoties Square park in front of the station. Moreover, the existing car parking is relocated to a new underground facility, creating a vibrant civic space within the park and its adjacent square, filled with over 300 new trees and 4,00 square meters of landscaping including tree-lined avenues and water gardens for the natural collection, filtration, and purification of rainwater.
Render by Negativ
Adding to that, Zaha Hadid Architects incorporates nature-based solutions in its proposal—green roofs, landscaping, and planting will alleviate extreme temperatures throughout the year. The proposal includes sustainable energy production technologies and depolluting strategies to lower the environmental impact of the project and improve the overall air quality. Photovoltaic panels will be integrated into the facades, while an annual solar radiation analysis has been run to maximize the sunlight within the interiors during winter, and reduce glare in summer.
“We are working to ensure that the entire station district, including the railway station, bus station, public transport terminal, and square, meets the criteria for the city we are developing today: green, comfortable, and inspiring. We are already investing in the surrounding spaces and are ready to invest even more in the square, the streets, and the new, more comfortable and greener face of Vilnius.” -Vilnius Mayor Remigijus Simasius
