VILKPĖDĖ 2080
VILKPĖDĖ 2080 VISION
VILKPĖDĖ
The former industrial site conversion into a vital future city with an exceptional focus on sustainable development and harmonious living next to breathtaking nature. This redevelopment project breathes new life into a once heavily utilized industrial area, reimagining it as a thriving city that seamlessly integrates modern infrastructure with the natural environment.
VILNIUS
The city once was founded on the junction of two rivers. And still today it’s thebiggest potential for sustainable living development.
LITHUANIA
Is home to 30,000 kilometers of rivers, lakes, and canals, weaving through endless forests, historic villages, and modern cities. For centuries, Lithuanians have lived in harmony with nature – from ancienthuntergatherer communities to contemporary cities that still breathe with greenery.This is a land where nature and urban life intertwine seamlessly.
But what if we look even further?
SAVANORIŲ STREET
VILKPĖDĖ INITIATIVE
Drop by drop
For centuries, the Vilkpėdė area in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius was abundant in natural beauty. Here, water from the springs of forested erosional hills once flowed through the valley in streams, reaching the bends of the Neris River. However, in the last century, Vilkpėdė’s valley became a convenient site to industrialize, its streams were canalized, and the Neris was largely forgotten. But it is still here!
The potential for change in the district is obvious: it is close to the city center, and since 2021, the municipality has allowed and even encouraged the development of residential and commercial projects here. The diverse activities historically typical of old towns do not need to be created from scratch. After Lithuania regained independence, Vilkpėdė’s industry began to shrink naturally, and over the last decade, it has been relocating to the outskirts. At the same time, the remaining community of blacksmiths, wheelwrights, repairmen, and press workers is slowly being joined by designers, programmers, and other professionals.
Our connection with Vilkpėdė is not accidental. After discovering that the former premises of a concrete structure factory were looking for new owners, we settled there ourselves a few years ago and invited dozens of other businesses to the newly revitalized neighborhood.
Between railway tracks, silo towers, and an ancient stream currently hidden in the piping system. But why not bring that stream back into the valley –and the valley back into the city?
Together with like-minded people, we have been inviting property owners and other interested parties to look at Vilkpėdė with fresh eyes for several years now. Almost every day, we show neighbors and Vilnius residents that things can be “different” here: more humane, cosier, fresher. A bush, a wooden bench, a patched-up pothole, a renovated workshop facade, a new office, an art storage space, a medical center – all these small changes, drop by drop, are bringing Vilkpėdė closer to the critical mass after which the big changes become unstoppable.
We do not claim an official city position, but we invite Vilnius residents and fans to dream and discuss how Vilkpėdė could look in 2080. In our district vision, water returns to Vilkpėdė: with natural, leisure, and residential spaces along the Neris river, new bridges to the other side of it, active river navigation, and newly formed bays and channels. With un-canalized streams that are meant to refresh, not be hidden. Maybe with even a port, which, by the way, was started to be built in Vilkpėdė after the war.
What do you propose or wish for Vilkpėdė? Share it with us.
CONCRETE FACTORY
The Concrete Factory (Betono Fabrikas) is the first initiative to revitalize the entire area of the former Soviet facility, unlocking its full potential—natural, architectural and infrastructural. Our aim is to create a new, high-quality well-functioning, and humane urban space: the Concrete Quarter.
Historically, the Concrete Factory served as a manufacturing facility for concrete elements. The building featured a few bright, spacious rooms with large windows and an open structure. Unfortunately, after the factory closed, likely for economic reasons, the windows were reduced, and unnecessary partitions were added. Our goal in redesigning this building was to restore its original character while integrating a modern approach to space, function and sustainability.
To ensure a comfortable working environment, the large rooms were divided into smaller offices along the open façade, allowing for an abundance of natural daylight. All rooms remain visually connected through a series of glazed windows placed consistently throughout the floor plan, creating a spatial “tunnel” that offers an uninterrupted view across the entire building.
,CONCRETE FACTORY
VILKPĖDĖ
5 KM
OLD TOWN
THE COAT OF ARMS OF VILNIUS
Since the 14th century, the seal and coat of arms of Vilnius have featured Saint Christopher with the infant Jesus on his shoulder, in one form or another.
Water in the Vilnius coat of arms is depicted symbolically, evoking the rivers that flow through the city. The Neris and Vilnia rivers not only shaped the city’s geography but also played crucial roles in trade, communication, and urban life.
Interestingly, some older versions of the Vilnius coat of arms feature sailboats, suggesting a possible water route to the Baltic Sea. Although Vilnius’ waterways are no longer as vibrant as they once were, the city’s historical relationship with water is clear and ripe for revival.
The section of the Neris River in Vilkpėdė near the Bukčiai Bridge.
Emilija and Darius rowing on the Neris River on a summer morning to work.
The Paneriai hillocks formed at the end of the last ice age, when flowing water streams dramatically eroded the slopes of the Neris River valley. From the upper terrace, springs and streams continue to flow to this day, filling the newly formed water canal system. At least five canalized springs have been identified.
Canalized spring 01
Canalized spring 03
VILKPĖDĖ RIVER PORT
VILKPĖDĖ CANAL RING
RIVER NERIS
WATER LOCK
SPRINGS
CANALS, GROUND LEVEL
RIVER WATER LOCK
CANALS FILLED WITH THE WATER FROM THE VILKPĖDĖ SPRINGS
“Building a river port in Vilkpėdė”
The industrial port, planned but never built after WW2 in Vilkpėdė, marks a significant turning point when road transport replaced waterways for industrial logistics. Today, this site holds great potential to become a modern recreational boat harbor, unveiling the possibilities of river navigation. It will also play a key role in shaping the Vilkpėdė water city’s identity, strengthening the city’s connection with the river and promoting water tourism and recreation.
VINGIS PARK
Vilkpėdė is surrounded by and partially covered by
7 forest massifs: Bukčiai Forest, Vingis Park, Vilkpėdė Park, Burbiškiai Forest, Aukštieji Paneriai Forest, Žemieji Paneriai Forest, and Paneriai Forest Park.
VILKPĖDĖ PARK
BURBIŠKIAI FOREST
AUKŠTIEJI PANERIAI FOREST
The use of natural resources for the well-being of urban residents can become the key to their preservation – we can only truly understand their value and condition by directly experiencing and responsibly using them.
„Islands Brygge“ Copenhagen, Denmark
THE VALUE PRINCIPLES FOR THE CREATION OF THE VILKPĖDĖ VISION
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The predominant building type in the quarters is the perimeter block, which creates clear private and public spaces. The sizes of the building blocks range from 60 to 120 meters.
Each quarter has access to the riverbank or canal, which not only ensures convenient recreational and transportation opportunities but also contributes to improving the microclimate by reducing the urban heat island effect.
The public space within the quarter is a natural area that not only provides residents with the opportunity to spend leisure time but also preserves the local ecological balance by ensuring the integration of natural elements – greenery, trees, and water bodies – into the urban environment.
From the third floor onwards, building setbacks are designed, creating a visually lighter facade and a more comfortable street space for people to enjoy.
The most valuable existing buildings are preserved as industrial heritage, and within their spaces, public services are created that nurture history and contribute to the diversity of urban life. 5
Each quarter ensures multifunctionality by creating smaller public spaces for communities, educational institutions, and squares.
A 3-5 story building development with towers is designed, which will serve as important landmarks in the area, giving the city skyline a distinctive identity.
The natural framework is reinforced by adapting it to recreational needs, creating a harmonious relationship between nature and urban life, and providing residents with spaces for rest and active leisure. 7
The Vilkpėdė area is divided into 28 parts, with the main streets serving as reference points. This division helps to clearly define the potential phased development of the area, making it easier to plan and develop.
The vision allows space for change and variability, considering future opportunities and challenges. In developing this urban structure, the goal is to maintain flexibility, enabling adaptation to ever-evolving needs and circumstances. Over time, this space will become a solid foundation, open to various solutions, fostering continuous innovation and the pursuit of the best possible options.
The urban structure is based on purposeful connection creation and the planned division of blocks, ensuring comfortable pedestrian movement. The 60-120 meter-sized blocks align with the principles of sustainable urbanism, promoting a vibrant and accessible urban environment.
VILKPĖDĖ OVERGROUND METRO STATION
What do you propose or wish for Vilkpėdė? Share it with us.
PROJECT CONCEPT AUTHORS:
Andrė Baldišiūtė
Sabina Grincevičiūtė
Gilma Teodora Gylytė
Algimantas Neniškis
Vaiva Šimoliūnaitė-Čečkauskienė
Kasparas Žiliukas
Vadim Babij
PROJECT TEAM:
Andrė Baldišiūtė
Sabina Grincevičiūtė
Gilma Teodora Gylytė
Algimantas Neniškis
Vaiva Šimoliūnaitė-Čečkauskienė
Kasparas Žiliukas
Vadim Babij
Ignas Uogintas
Emilija Martinkevič
Darius Kamarūnas
Kajus Len
Ugnius Mockus
Dzianis Arlovich
Paulius Bogavičius
Smiltė Kiaunytė
Kotryna Urbonaitė
Emilija Staškutė
Agnė Binevičiūtė
Simonas Liukaitis
Tomas Gudžius
Viktorija Nevulytė
PHOTO AUTHORS:
Simonas Liukaitis
Emilija Martinkevič
Kajus Len
Betono aklg. 16, LT-03153 + 370 652 44828 www.doarchitects.lt
2024
Lithuania, Vilnius
