Program by ignas uogintas

New Living Experiences Within the Old Block

the royal danish academy of fine arts, schools of architecture, design and conservation school of architecture ignas uogintas stud 5627, dep 3 program of master graduation project tutor: troels rugbjerg february 14, 2014

housing unit - “sekcija Nr.III-120V-33/1”

content 05

introduction

part I problem and intention strategy study site project site elements to play with

part II individual dwelling new city demands history of micro - rayon vilnius in 1950 - 1990

part III new urban strategies project program references to be investigated method and process bibliography curiculum vitae

McDonalds restaurant in Ukmerges str, 2013 02 01; photo: jo.sau

introduction Existing Lithuanian soviet rayons and micro-rayonsa are in conflict with today’s social, political and economical forms of behavior. It is extremely difficult to change, renovate or adjust these neighborhoods as they were not planned for change.

and architectural), that can be implemented both globally and locally. The chance has to be created for even a small group of individuals to have the ability to influence the redevelopment of the area. While keeping in mind a common overall vision for urban growth.

What’s more, the number of apartment buildings - the main ingredient of the soviet micro-rayon - in the Baltic States amounts to 68% of the dwellings for the entire population. There are only three other countries in the World that have greater amounts of appartment building: Russia (72%), Singapore (72%) and Hong Kong (82%) 2.

Old spatial structures have to adjust as society becomes more connected and at the same time more fragmented (i.e. via growing technical possibilities for communications). A new network society is emerging, therefore cities of tomorrow have to become network cities.

After the Lithuanian independence in 1991, and the fall of the Berlin Wall, the political, cultural and economical context in the country changed drastically. Post-modernistic transformations have challenged rigorous programs and spatial planing policies. More individualized and fragmented interventions in urban spaces started to appear. A new consumer society swept away the social equality model. In order to merge soviet relicts with new city demands there is a need for a deviation strategy (both urban

So how can we transform the soviet rayons, so they becomes flexible, adjustable and exciting to live in, work in and enjoy? While at the same time having the qualities of historical monumental identity, overall spatial quality and clean aesthetics. The problematic of urban flexibility in the soviet rayons is raised and confronted through the Pasilaiciai rayon (consists of four micro-rayons) in Vilnius, Lithuania. The plan of th rayon consists of three rings, that contain calm, car free public spaces. It follows urbanistic traditions of soviet Vilnius, but at the same time contains something specific.

a micro-rayon (Russian: микрорайо н́ ) is a residential complex - a primary structural element of the residential area construction in the Soviet Union and in post-Soviet and former Communist states. Residential districts in most of the cities and towns in Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union were built in accordance with this concept. It comprised residential dwellings (usually multi-story apartment buildings), schools and public service buildings.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;many-flat houseâ&#x20AC;?, Vilnius, Pasilaiciai, 2008 06 12; photo: Gytaute Akstinaite

part I

problem and intention Vilnius soviet rayons are in stagnation

Sleeping post soviet rayons need to be awaken

Planning and building new residential areas in the USSR took a very pragmatic approach, with the main intention being to provide housing for the growing population. The standard of five, nine and twelve floor apartment buildings became the norm in the mass construction of residential districts. The whole construction process was simplified and standardized, leading to the erection of the gray rows of rectangular apartment buildings which are now widespread in every city and town of the former Soviet Union.

My ambition is to create possibilities for transformations, to envision the rayons future as a dynamic, connected and vibrant part of the network city.

Furthermore, after Lithuanian independence all the apartments were privatized but the public land remained as public property. This move paralyzed the urban redevelopments of soviet residential areas. The shift of societies from soviet socialism to capitalistic democracy allowed the face of the city to change while? soviet rayons remained the same. The lack or difficult implication of redevelopment strategies led to the expansion of the city towards suburbia. Even young families would rather buy a house in the periphery rather than live in outdated soviet apartment building. More than 80 % of individual projects in countryside and apartment buildings are based on individual designs. The lack of diversity that was observed in soviet housing blocks is enhanced through experimental new developments.

The graduation project should propose alternatives and evoke further debates on city structures in post soviet countries. The main intention of the master graduation project is focused on: • investigating possible scenario for the Pasilaiciai rayon future; • introducing more multi-faceted places that would provide greater diversity and thus choice, of places, life-styles, activities, interaction opportunities; • increasing architectural quality of the area so it would satisfy the demand and wishes of existing and potential inhabitants and visitors; • paying attention to a degree at which the settlement reflects “timeless” qualities, such as light, aesthetics of space, nature, etc; • bringing sustainable solutions of the built environment and natural landscape, emphasize the possible potentials for the area to be self sustained; • linking the area physically and mentally with other city parts and provide easy access to goods, services, urban opportunities and other people.

BIG SCALE

ZONING

NETWORKS

LANDSCAPE

STRATEGY

VOLUMES

FUNCTIONS

SMALL SCALE

territory development strategy diagram

COMMUNITY SPACES

part I

strategy Even thorough Pasilaiciai territory has unique spatial characteristics, diverse community and good connections to the city center it faces common challenges that could be found in many post-soviet neighborhoods throughout the whole country and beyond. Furthermore, interventions done in the 90’s and early 00’s have fragmented some parts of the district. Transformations implemented after the independence in Pasilaiciai rayon and other city parts has challenged rigorous programs and spatial planing policies. More individualized and fragmented interventions in urban spaces have started to appear. A new consumer society has swept away the old model of social equality. Solidarity had to give way to maximizing profitability, a Darwinistic competition model was introduced. Old fashioned micro-rayon models were too lumbering to actively participate in new city life. As a result, new volumes or volume groups are appearing in between soviet housing blocks because of new economic, demographic, cultural demand but these have little to do with the existing context. New parking lots are emerging instead of community parks, big shopping malls are changing the flows of people within the area, new suburban housing projects enhance the notion of the lack of housing typologies in the area. Today we see new habits and long overdue government planning control. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the population of its former states gained the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of consumption. After 50 years spent in a modest and standardized society, private house and car ownership is now a norm for people of post socialist countries. They have started to value their own comfort and conveniences very highly. Single family and apartment housing are being built further away from the city center, that means that

excessive transportation systems have to be introduced. As a result insufficient and loose infrastructure problems start appearing. Also, now more than 80 % of architecture for single families and apartments are based on individual design, this increases the price of construction, sometimes leading to spatial cacophony and misunderstandings. On the other hand, the lack of diversity that was observed in the social housing blocks is enhanced through experimental new developments. Can we reverse the trends and use it for the benefit of these post soviet rayons? Top-Down and Bottom-Up approach can be used to grasp the issues and propose solutions at different levels The Pasilaiciai micro-rayon has to start actively participating in today’s city urban life. It is evident that the territory needs urban and architectural tools for spatial, typological and functional deviations to “open up”, enrich and connect the area to a bigger urban territory. The complexities of the site demands a sensitive strategy. The framework cannot be a fixed plan, liable to obsoletion, but a flexible framework that can respond to change and adapt to phasing scenarios. A masterplan has to be both determined and open, while remaining adaptable. It is important to emphasis the variations of physical and conceptual blueprints. Brought together they should fuse the physical, social, cultural and economic dimensions creating a colorful urban mosaic. The Pasilaiciai rayon should emerge through the interaction, cross-fertilization and friction among these groups and networks, which lead to the emergence of new architecture, networks, landscapes and urban cultures.

0m Pasilaiciai rayon; existing situation

300 m

part I

study site One of the last soviet rayons built in Vilnius before Lithuanian indepencende was Pasilaiciai rayon. Pasilaiciai stands out with bigger density, adjusting much more to surrounding landscapes and creating it’s own unique spatial scenario. Etymologically the name of the place “Pasilaiciai” means ‘next to pinewood’. Furthermore, historically Pasilaiciai was a hilly village next to Vilnius city. It has been mentioned in historical sources since the XVIII century but visual representations have not survived to this day.

Three micro - rayons were planed with 3, 5, 7 and 9 storey reinforced concrete panel buildings and the fourth one - 3 and 9 storey monolithic buildings. Pasilaiciai standard and individual housing units, streets, engineering system was designed by City Construction Engineering Institute (“Miesto statybos projektavimo institutas”).

Sixteen storeys housing units and other monolithic houses were designed by “Monolitas” - experimental design and building association. Main contractors - “Vilnius” design and building Pasilaiciai rayon was realized during the period association, “Vilniaus Statybos Trestas” and “Monolitas”. 1986-1990. The plan of rayon consists of three rings, MPSI architects: K. Balenas, G. Baleniene, A. that contain calm, car free public spaces. Even though Laurinavicius, A. Leckiene, V. Oleka, engineer L. territories were planed with standard housing units, they Podzeckiene; can vary creating different architectural and spacial “Monolitas” architects: D. Ruseckas, engineer J. expressions. Daugela, P. Klikunas, J. Sidaravicius; PPS “Vilnius”: A. Abramavicius, V. Buolta, V. It follows the urbanistic traditions of soviet Vilnius, Ikanavicius, G. Josas, A. Simuntas; but at the same time contains unique features, f.e. Fourth rayon: A. Leckiene, D. Ruseckas, J. according to the architects the design should be Makniene, J. Seibokas and others. reminiscent of the ‘urban hills’ of Vilnius city. As well as this, it has a separate territory for monolithic The total construction cost was 135 mln Rubles the housing development, that stands out with it’s (13330,062 kg of Gold): inner courtyards, variations of typologies and new • 72% of cost for living housing; construction principles. • 21% of cost to cultural and commercial volumes; • 7 % of cost for engineering structures and The whole Pasilaiciai rayon covers 107 ha. The territory landscape. was planned for 31,2000 inhabitants. 453 000 m2 of living spaces was designed, so that one person would The equivalent price in today’s currency would be: get 14,5 m2 of personal private space. 389,8 mln Euro or 2.908 bilion Kr.

30 m

Pasiliaiciai micro-rayon courtyard; housing blocks Nr.III-120V-33/1 and Nr.III-120V-12/1 were used for this area

part I

project site The courtyards have quite a lot of sun, adult trees and playgrounds for kids. Some of the courtyards have technical volumes inside that divide the space, creating zones, that are not visible from all angles. As well as this, increased demand for car parking (over 3.5 times) takes over space from the palygrounds and gardens. More than 100 families are living around a single courtyards. A wide range of individuals are cramped together in the soviet housing block, living next to each other and sharing the same facilities. As a matter of fact, even though buildings are monotonous and repetitive, the people living inside vary dramatically. I personally find this to be a pretty astonishing phenomena. A student might be living next to a grandmother, a small businessman, a builder or an engineer....

4 building units five storey apartment buildings; four types of nine storey buildings out of 2 and 3 building units; and from 3 to 5, 5, from 7 to 9, 9 and 10 storey one building units apartments. The full 120v series document contained 31 standard designs. Instead of having a standard design for a whole apartment dwelling, by designing using units (‘sekcija’) it was possibile to create more unique architecture and master planning schemes. One building unit had 1,2,3 and 4 room apartments. The spaces inside the apartments were grouped into working zones and relaxation zones, while transition rooms were avoided. Logias were designed in such a way as to not make the apartments darker.

120v series buildings (designed by City Building Design Institute) contained five types out of 2, 3 and

Engineering pipes were designed on the central core, therefore it was easier access it from the apartments from both sides from the main entrance. Some extra space was added to the bathroom so the washing machine could fit. Kitchens were made larger (8 to 9 m2) as well as technical spaces, corridors and storage spaces. The rooms were 2.64 m height.

Nine storey prefabricated apartment building Nr.III-120V-33/1 3 housing units combined; 108 apartments Volume: 26500,00 m³; Storage volume: 2130,00 m³; Built area: 1010,00 m²; Total area: 6256,30 m²; Living area: 3778,20 m²

Five storey prefabricated apartment building Nr.III-120V-12/1 3 housing units combined; 60 apartments Volume: 14115,00 m³; Storage volume: 1905,00 m³; Built area: 910,30 m²; Total area: 3241,80 m²; Living area: 1924,70 m²

Buildings surrounding the courtyard are built from catalogue design (120V 33/1 and 120V 12/1 housing designs).

exterior walls

interior walls

balconies and slabs

part I

elements to play with In order to start playing (reconstruct) with existing m; 3.00x2.64 m; 3.60x2.64 m; 1.275x2.64 m. apartment buildings one has to understand the structural logic of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elements. Slabs and balconies. Height of the slabs is 16 cm. Sound isolation is reached by cladding linoleum onto New elements, following 120V type construction soft and temperature isolating layer. Wooden floors are proportions and connecting joints might allow for insulated only on the ground floor, where additional flexible changes of the neighborhood in the future. insulation from the cellar is needed. Balconies and loggias are constructed out of special reinforced Exterior walls. 120V type exterior walls are done out concrete panels, made from waterproof concrete. of one layer reinforced concrete. Ceramsit sand is used Concrete partitions have reliefs or special finishes. for the panels (concrete mark 50: 600 - 900 kg/m3). For nine storey buildings and higher concrete mark 75 Details. Every entablature are connected with zinc is used (1150 - 1200 kg/m3). Cellar exterior walls have hooks and fulfilled with concrete. Exterior ceramsit walls 30 cm thickness, all the rest - 35 cm. 120V type 35 cm are encored with zinc hooks ( Ă&#x2DC;12 mm A1 class steel). exterior wall heating resistance is R0=0,85 m2 KW. Depending on the height, the hooks are positioned in three places in each element. It enables to use the Interior walls. Interior walls are done out of reinforced hook principle without welding separate connections. concrete (16 cm) and delivered to the site ready-made. Exterior wall vertical edge is sealed with 6 mm seam, Proportions are minimized to four types: 2.475x2.64 horizontal seam - with 8 mm.

120V 33/1 unit: four apartments, lift (going from first to one before the last storey), garbage shaft one floor out of housing unit Nr.III-120V-33/1; 4 apartments; axonometry

project site in one of the rings

vision: personalization of spaces

part II

individual dwelling During most of the Soviet era, society was structured so that the communist regime and its “transmission belts” (officially sanctioned organizations and institutions of every kind, from trade unions to youth groups) could fully monitor and control each individual. Civil society was nonexistent. The lines of control ran from the top down, through a rigid hierarchy constructed and staffed by the ruling Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Political decisions rather than market forces determined social status. Despite Marxist-Leninist notions of a classless society, the Soviet Union had a powerful ruling class, the ‘nomenklatura’, which consisted of party officials and key personnel in the government and other important sectors such as heavy industry. Top-down master planing architecture served political agenda, therefore after the fall of the regime all of the master planning and architecture policies were thrown away and new and more individual approachesbegan to be tested and applied. Political and ideological independence in 1991 was essential nutrition for new post-industrial free minded and self-confident individuals to form. Liberalization of market and privatization of property played a significant role in changing the face of country. Individual property became a pleasing investment as owners realized that it could bring financial benefits. For example, in Lithuania the large majority of all state and municipal-owned housing was quickly privatized, in contrast to countries such as Latvia, Ukraine and the Czech Republic where social-rented housing remains far more common. Initially, public housing in Lithuania could be purchased with ‘vouchers’, which were made widely available. The ease with which sitting tenants could assume ownership of their dwellings under the voucher system, however, provided little time for con-

sideration of issues such as maintenance responsibility within and around the newly-privatized dwellings, many of which were in ‘panel block’ buildings already chronically under-maintained during the Soviet period. In Vilnius, approximately 50 % of the population continues to live in these suburban panel block housing estates. The nationalization of housing was seen as a highly symbolic political act that would consolidate support for other economic reforms. More than that, giving ownership of units to tenants improved the occupants’ attitude to their responsibility for maintenancing their buildings. The way of thinking about one’s dwelling has changed even for those who did not consider renting or selling their unit; the unit gradually became thought of as a commodity with value in the market rather than as an asset that only had value as long as you could keep it in the family. Current policies in Vilnius which focus almost exclusively on the insulating housing facades might benefit from a widened scope that incorporates some funding for individual households to improve their own housing environments. It may be that if residents were to first improve upon their own dwellings and their imediate surroundings, they would then have an interest in protecting their investment within the broader context of the entire building or neighborhood, and would be more likely to invest themselves in this goal. This may in turn result in a more stable and enduring system than currently exists. The relation between an individual and their environment and the possibility for the individual to influence their environment for the personal well-being and for the greater good is essential for the area to exist and grow in harmony.a

a Burns, L. S. (1983) Self-help housing: an evaluation of outcomes, Urban Studies, 20(3) Tsenkova, S. & Turner, B. (2004) The future of social housing in Eastern Europe: reforms in Latvia and Ukraine, European Journal of Housing Policy, 4(2) Kursis, J. (1999) Housing Privatization in the Baltic States (Lund: Lund University, Housing Development and Management) Struyk, R. (1996) The long road to market, in: R. Struyk (Ed.) Economic Restructuring of the Former Soviet Bloc: The Case of Housing (Washington DC: The Urban Institute Press)

WISHES

QUALITY

VARIATION OF PROGRAM

PUBLIC SPACE REDEVELOPMENT

PRIVATE YARD

CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT

VARIATIONS OF APARTMENTS

LACK OF INTERMEDIATE SPACE

LACK OF EMPLOYMENT FACILITIES

INSUFFICIENT PARKING

LACK OF PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

OUTDATED APARTMENT LAYOUT

PURSUED STRATEGIES: ONLY INSULATION

WEAKNESSES

main thesis statements, that aslo reflects in M. Pakalnis article

part II

new city demands Fragments from the article of Mindaugas Pakalnis architect-urbanist, former Vilnius city chief architect <...>Renovations of soviet rayons seems to gain momentum and this fact is enjoyable. However, it is important to answer the question of whether the other equally important challenges will not be forgotten. The challenges are: the attractiveness of residential neighborhoods, to invite young families to come back, to introduce variations of housing alterations, create safer living spaces, improve of courtyards and public infrastructure, and so on. Analyzing the renovation strategies of post soviet rayons it seems that all the proposals have been abandoned or postponed for the future. So maybe it is worth to think about the possible consequences of the renovation strategies.

where stood the TV (husbands space), a small kitchen, where wife was enclosed for cooking, and one (at best two) small room, where grandparents or children were living. There was also a miniature bathtub and toilet, where it was difficult to even turn around, not to mention the lack of place for the washing machine or the space for racks.

The whole urban quality by insulating facades (in somewhere f.e. Karoliniskes or Zirmunai micro-rayon apartment buildings) will not disappear. No matter how many people will live in this apartment (a student or a single mother with three children) it is just not designed for comfortable living and daily life. I do not believe that these dwellings will be attractive to young families if the only renovation that will be done is going to be the external wall insulation, while not <...>One of the notable advantages of the ongoing complex reconstruction delivered from the solutions renovation strategy is a visual change in the soviet adjusted by the whole community consensus to facade of the apartment, but the solution will not improve the overall quality. <...> The executors and change the spirit of those times. As experience shows, their supporters of renovation program often provide sometimes after renovation the building looks even the numbers that after a period of time the reduction worse than it was before. But not the impression of in the heating cost will pay off the investment for the the facades are the most important. Lets have a look residents. This, of course, is important for the residents at residential districts in Vilnius, that have been built as they invest large amounts of money and takes at different periods. The essential feature of soviet the necessary loans. However, the essence of the building blocks is the absence of community spaces, problem is not just economical payback, but what small public spaces for smaller communities or only the residents are getting for this money and what is a few families. All of these neighborhoods are built essentially important to get. The most realistic outcome on socialist ideology based on social equality and of facade renovation is the lower taxes for heating, peace delusion therefore all the people live under the but it will not create the profit and opportunities for same conditions (equally bad) whether they are rich, other renovation stages. Furthermore, the practice poor, educated, old or young and do not complain. shows that the building every 25-30 years must be These generic spaces share the special qualities such updated: altered or substantially updated engineering as large, spacious courtyards surrounded by 5 – 9 systems and building interior spaces adapted to new story residential buildings, narrow access roads and needs. Soviet apartment blocks already have been parking shortages (it was customary to leave a car in standing for 30-50 years. They already needed one a metal garage somewhere in the outskirts of the city). principal renovation. After the renovation program Residential districts lacks employment places and that is happening now they will stand for another basic services. Now the services are consecrated cycle (25-30 more years), but whether the living into specialized regional centers. This is the face of conditions because of morally outdated solutions will practically all post-soviet districts. However, Lithuanian be bearable is an open question. citizens of these days have a broader view onto their living environment and soviet blocks are treated <...> Probably, the problem lays in lack of as depressing. A rare citizen is happy living in this continuity and sustainable strategy in these urban environment and majority would not rather settle there development projects. permanently. The fact is clearly approved by young families who left those areas to live in the periphery. In addition, many municipalities and thus the whole country lacks of clear vision for future of cities and Lets have a look at typical soviet apartment. It is strong professionals – administrators for the visions to relatively small: a living room/ family living room, land properly.a a Translation of article” Ar isivaizduojame koks bus daugiabuciu renovacijos palikimas?” by Mindaugas Pakalnis in www.delfi.lt/verslas; 2014

catalogue of visual references

part II

history of micro-rayon Mikro-rayon is a residential complex - a primary structural element of the residential area construction in the Soviet Union. It is comprised of residential dwellings and public service buildings. As a general rule major motor roads, green ways and natural obstacles served as boundaries between micro districts, allowing an overall reduction in city road construction and maintenance costs and emphasizing public transportation. Residential complexes were seen as an opportunity to build a collective society, an environment suitable and necessary for the new way of life.

and later on functionalists designing micro-rayons were inspired by Sir Ebenezer Howard’s “garden cities of tomorrow” and Le Corbusier’s works on the same topic, they have definitely overlooked his project “Maison Domino”. Instead of providing structure that might be independent from the structural system providing endless variations in the arrangement of the interiors they have provided standard finite designs for each apartment block. Likewise apartment units for micro-rayon, ”Maison Domino” was designed as a building prototype for mass production, but it can be seen as the precursor to the clear separation of support from infill in housing when the social apartment house is just a collection of enclosed boxes stacked on top of each other in large quantities.

Perhaps the main factor for this large scale planning and development was the speech - that can be treated as the main manifest - by Nikita Khrushcheva for built environments not only in Soviet Lithuania, but across the whole Soviet Union. He initiated the further The smallest unit, “a pawn“ in this system was an steps for industrialization of the Soviet building industry apartment – the same in any context: with the same as national policy. furniture, same size of family, family members with the same education and same income, even the location The history of soviet rayons as an urban planning of the apartment had almost no relevance as different concept dates back to the 1920s when Constructivist areas offered more or less similar spatial qualities architecture flourished in the Soviet Union. It combined (utopian equality?). advanced technology and engineering with ideas of Communistic social and political purposes. Although A humorous look at the potential consequences of it was divided into several competing fractions, the living in such a bland and repetitive atmosphere can movement produced many pioneering projects, before be found in the hugely popular “Mosfilm” movie ”The falling out of favor around 1932. Irony of Fate”b. During the 1960s constructivism was rehabilitated to a certain extent, and both the wilder experimental buildings of the era and the unornamented Khrushchyovka apartments (a type of low-cost, concrete-paneled or brick three - to five - storied apartment building – a basic element for micro-rayon) were in a sense a continuation of the aborted experiment, although under very different conditions.

In the end, this absolute utopian unification led to the down fall of the system and evoked opposite desires that were visualized in postmodernistic spatial interventions. Society has changed, shifting the center from authoritarian centralized machine to personalized polyphony of activities and interests.

Outside the USSR, Constructivism has often been seen as an alternative, more radical modernism, and its legacy can be seen in designers as diverse as Team 10, Archigram and Kenzo Tange, as well as in many Brutalists works. Even though constructivists

But the Pasilaiciai area, as with the majority of soviet housing neighborhoods in Vilnius, has remained with little change. The main reason for this lack of progress could be that; although almost the entire built area is made out of prefabricated elements, it is extremely difficult to change, renovate or adjust these structures as the territory was not planned for change.

a Nikita Khrushchev (led the Soviet Union during part of the Cold War. Chairmanof the Council of Ministers, or Premier, 1958 - 1964) speech in 1954: “On the extensive introduction of industrial methods and improving the quality of, and and reducing the cost of, construction”, Proyect Rossiya, March 2002.

b ”The Irony of Fate” - is a 1976 Soviet romantic comedy television film directed by Eldar sRyazanov. Simultaneously a screwball comedy and a love story tinged with sadness, it is one of the most successful Soviet television productions ever and remains highly popular in modern Russia.

north west side of Vilnius, aerofoto, 2013 02 01

part II

vilnius in 1950-1990 After the WWII Vilnius was devastated - not only were the vast majority of the people gone, but the urban tissue was desecrated as well. As well as this, the new regime has nationalized all the private property, free economy was centralized, democratic processes were bureaucratized and artistic expressions were subjected to the purposes of the Communist Party. Standardized mass constructions, large scale planning and development came into play. The first factory producing reinforced concrete opened in Vilnius in 1958. It encouraged the use of prefabricated reinforced concrete, metal and glass in construction. As the standard of five, nine and twelve storey apartment buildings became usual in the mass construction of residential districts. The whole construction process was simplified and standardized, leading to erection of the gray rows rectangular apartment buildings which are now prevalent in every city and town of the former Soviet Union countries. Such drastic reduction of building costs was necessary as flats in the new blocks were to be given to the citizens free of charge. Zirmunai was the first micro-rayon to be planned in 1962 and built in 1969 and by that time it was the largest residential construction in the whole Soviet Union. The USSR state prize was given to the authors and builders of this neighborhood, which increased the Lithuanian architect’s prestige in the Soviet Union and raised the bar for the upcoming developments in the city. According to 1967 regional plan (by K. Bucas and V. Balciunas) Vilnius was being expanding towards the north west (Lazdynai, Karoliniskes, Virsuliskes, Seskine, Baltupiai). The city’s density was rapidly growing, therefore until the 1990 rayons continued to be built (Pasilaiciai, Justiniskes, Fabijoniskes). They had bigger density, adjusting more to their surrounding landscapes and creating their own unique spatial scenarios. Even

01 Fabijoniskes: 02 Pasilaiciai: 03 Justiniskes: 04 Seskine: 05 Virsuliskes:

area 4.1 km2; population 36,600; density 8,900/km2 area 7.9 km2; population 25,600; density 3,200/km2 area 3.0 km2; population 30,000; density 10,000/km2 area 4.6 km2; population 36,600; density 8,000/km2 area 2.6 km2; population 16,200; density 6,300/km2

though the territories were planned with standard housing units, they vary significantly throughout each territory, creating different architectural and spacial expressions.a Even though bureaucratic centralized structure dictated the program (sizes of apartments, ammunt of kindergartens, functions in the territory, even selecting standartized architecture solutions) of the area, different areas of mass housing constructions differed in time. New constructions drastically increased the living quality of the population. Not only new housing, but also schools, sporting facilities, theaters were being constructed. “A housing series was given its title after it had been approved by State Committee and proved with registration number. Within these serial building systems, however, there were also some structures that were referred to as individual or experimental. <...> However, even among these unique buildings, there were numerous elements borrowed from the standardized series buildings. <...> Large-panel systems building or Plattenbau substantially shortened the construction time of the buildings and thus the completion of the micro-districts. Metal anchors on the edges of large panels made it possible to bind together the individual elements whose nodes where then friction-locked and set in concrete on site. <...> The planning institutes followed an integrative approach that took responsibility for the planning of the entire project. Bassicaly, the plans were treated as an assembly instructions for industrial prefabricated components. The approval of the planning, design details and documentation were all collected in an A3 portfolio, compiled together in the ‘project’, stamped and placed after completion in the archives of the planning institutes.” b

a Text based on “Vilnius 1900-2012. Naujosios architektūros gidas” by Julija Reklaitė, Rūta Leitanaitė; “Baltos Lankos”, 2011 b Soviet Modernism 1955-1991: Unknown History; ‘Serial Housing Construction in the Soviet Union: An architectural-historical approach’ by Philipp Meuser; page: 273 - 283

spatial context: vilnius city

1 km

0m urban strategy diagram

300 m

part III

new urban strategies The territory was not planned with future changes in mind, but in order to adjust the outdated masterplan to today’s needs, we must find and use urban tools that might open up the stagnated Pasilaiciai area. Therefore I propose three main urban strategies with the intent to enhance connectivity, add programmatic diversity and increase spatial variety. The Pasilaiciai rayon should emerge through the interaction, cross-fertilization and friction amongst these groups and networks, leading to the emergence of new architectural qualities and urban cultures. Zoning: in order to wake up the “sleeping” district I added new functions on the main axis, that connect all the micro-rayons in Pasilaiciai. Offices, retail, primary facilities, sports, multistory car parking, church with additional functions, workshops, exposition spaces and other programs are introduced.

Networks: the urban boulevard links Pasilaiciai rayon with other city parts. The main intention of the axis is to enhance other means of transportation, such as bicycles, public transport, walking or even jogging. With one simple gesture it creates new convenient ways to discover the area and bind urban tissues. Landscape: Generic landscapes in the Pasilaiciai rayon is enriched by a series of themed landscapes. The interconnected mosaic principle of the Pasilaiciai gardens enhance ecological bio diversity, the aesthetic quality and the functional variations of program in and around them. The series of gardens enriches the public domain. Pavilions, kinder gardens, sporting facilities, playgrounds are located there. Circular path though different areas bind together Pasilaiciai micro-rayons and add additional overall positive qualities.

BIG SCALE

ZONING

NETWORKS

LANDSCAPE

STRATEGY funcrions on the main urban boulevard

VOLUMES

axis, connecting different city parts

FUNCTIONS

three main territory concepts resulted from the territory development strategy

circular paths linkink block public spaces

COMMUNITY SPACES 29

urban diagram

outside inside D1 A1 C1 B

A1 APARTMENTS 466 apartment units 28000 m2 (65.5 m2 average)

partition 1.5% staircase 10% balconie 6.5%

B STORAGE SPACE in the basement 4500 m2

C1 ASPHALT SURFACE 112 parking places 2850 m2 0.25 car per apart.

D1 GENERIC PARK with playgrounds 18750 m2

before after

C3 C2

D4 A3

A5 A4

A2 APARTMENTS 120 apartment units 8000 m2 (65 m2 average)

A5 PENTHOUSES 30 apartment units 4000 m2 (120 m2 average)

A3 STUDIOS 80 apartment units 4000 m2 (45 m2 average)

E1 OFFICE SPACES, ADMINISTRATION, STUDIOS AND SERVICES 4000 m2

A4 BIGGER APARTMENTS 45 apartment units 4000 m2 (85 m2 average)

E2 RCOMMUNITY CLUB: event space, canteen and workshops 4000 m2

C2 PARKING GARRAGE 200 pp 6400 m2

C3 ASPHALT SURFACE 50 parking places 1450 m2

F NEW STRUCTURE: winter-garden, health care and fitness center 4700 m2

conversion of existing program into new; program might evolve accordingly to the development of the project*

D2 SEMI-PUBLIC: playgrounds, dog parks, sporting facilities, gardens 4000 m2 D3 ENCLOSED COMMUNITY SPACES 4000 m2 D4 THEMED PUBLIC LANDSCAPE 4000 m2

part III

project program Instead of monotonous housing apartments I propose a number of dwelling typologies that are developed to revitalize the territory, to create the possibility for adaption to meet evolving demands while generating a unique identity for specific territories. Different typologies, sizes and types of ownership will be mixed in order to attract people of different income, social statuses, family size and background. Mixed income housing helps to eliminate neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, combat residential segregation. By mixing incomes in rental units a housing ladder in the neighborhood is created. Furthermore, instead of monotonous housing apartments I propose a number of typologies that are

developed to revitalize the territory as to create possibility to adapt to evolving demands and identity. The entire territory is constructed from 120v modular system elements. Using the same modular system as the basis for the new construction various typologies within or on top of old structure are introduced: apartments with different qualities, office spaces, administration, studios, other services, community/ event spaces, canteen, workshops. Moreover, additional volume is introduced - winter-garden with health care and fitness center. Social yards, community spaces, etc will be embraced and encouraged to form in the area. Playgrounds, private gardens and sporting facilities will emerge.

axonometry of the existing situation in the project site

references to be investigated

Väike-Õismäe Part of Tallinn Architecture Biennale Vision Competition

Transformation of Housing Block - Paris 17°, Tour Bois le Prêtre Druot, Lacaton & Vassal Paris, France; 2011; built housing; 8 900 m2 existing + 3 560 m2 extension; 25 M€ HT/net

Tallinn,Estonia; 57 ha Väike-Õismäe stands apart from other similar neighborhoods in Tallinn by way of its concentric plan derived from the idea of a circle-city. The district is positioned circularly as a single, complete solution around a pond in the middle and the environment and modern-day life are still searching for a common language.

WWAA architects mercedes station: temporary pavilion in warsow A temporary pavilion in the city centre can be viewed as a ‘gadget’ that is either neutral or that invades the space surrounding it. The appearance of the Mercedes pavilion in the city centre should bring new quality to the public space due to its recognizable yet contextual architecture as well as its additional functions adjusted to the area it is located. The ideal scenario is for the pavilion to become a good example of a construction that contributes to the revitalization of a public space and determines its future function.

Built in the early sixties along the ring road of Paris, this high rise block of 16 storeys includes 96 apartments. The demolition, firstly envisaged, has been avoided and a project of transformation decided. The project propose a generous extension of the apartments. New floors, built as a self-supporting structure, are added on the periphery of the existing building at every floor, to extend the living rooms, create closeable terrasses and balconies. The existing facades with small windows will be removed and replaced by large transparent openings, so that the inhabitants will profit of the exceptionnal view on Paris all around. Groundfloor the entrance hall will be refurbished. The floor will be made on a level with the exterior. The volume will be releases of all useless rooms and installations to become a free and transparent space from the entrance to a new garden created on the back of the building. Rooms for collective activities will be etablished on the sides of the hall. Two lifts will be built to improve the access to the apartments. The structure will be designed with prefabricated elements so that the inhabitants can stay in the apartments during the construction works. Gelerup Effect, Kjær&Richter, Cowi, JWH architects, Birk Nielsen

WIMBY - Welcome In My Backyard

Gellerup, Århus V, Denmark; 110 ha; 2009

Crimson Historians and others

Once a modernistic dream and the largest development in Denmark with a range of excellent public amenities - it now suffers from a bad image and is referred to as a worndown problem area or a concrete ghetto the mass media. The project seeks to radically change Gellerup by adding a network of new roads that opens up the area, and over the next 20 years double the density by adding diverse functions and typologies.

OUTSIDE; Ellebo Housing Renovation FORA + Beth Hughes

Renovation at Statybininkų g. 3 National Renovation strategy

Social Housing; Ellebo; 2013

Panevėžys, Lithuania

With its simple urban structure, is a built manifesto of the modern ideal. Collective blocks with shared facilities assembled around a large communal outdoor area that can be enjoyed by all. The refurbishment ahead is the proof that flexibility is still its strongest quality: the buildings have already survived changes made in the 1990’s, and still offer a valid base for a new beginning.

5 storey, 119 apartment dwelling; built in 1971; 5800 m²; 1,67 mln. Lt Renovation: exterior wall insulation, roof insulation, new windows, glass balconies added. Renovation realised in 2010 - 2011

By welcoming in my backyard, Crimson Architectural historians attempted to apply soft renewal on deprived Dutch new town near Rotterdam.

Kleiburg Amsterdam Zuidoost, the Netherlands Kleiburg residential expansion is designed in sixties by Siegfried Nassuth of the city planning department. Architecture of the Bijlmer was intended as a green, light and spacious urban scheme. Today we find sober and homogeneous houses, schools and shops. The functionalist feeling is greatly enhanced by the industrial building methods that express social equality. An abundance of open spaces and collective gardens compensated for the small houses; the transparency and openness of the public greenery represents a modern, open urban society. All components of the urban structure are endowed with the qualities of modernism, and at the same time manifest an idealistic social model. A new “tabula-rasa” architecture is about to take the place.

Park Hill Hawkins\Brown Sheffield, England; £120m “Working in collaboration with our client, Urban Splash, and design team members Studio Egret West and Grant Associates, we are bringing love, life and pride back to the Sheffield icon to make it a genuinely vibrant and sustainable community for the 21st century. The first phase of 78 apartments has been completed and has been given a thorough face-lift and remodelled to 21st Century standards. The existing concrete frame has been repaired and a new façade installed and the iconic ‘Streets In The Sky’ have new balustrading. As well as saving an icon, figures compiled show that refurbishing the scheme has prevented 4 football stadia of material being taken to landfill and that the embodied energy in the concrete frame is equivalent to 3 weeks energy output from a power station. At the lower levels of the building, the essential ingredients of a proper community will be combined with a new ‘high street’ of local shops, bars, pubs and restaurants. A new landscape will revitalize the public realm and reconnect Park Hill with the city.”

time planning

february 24 - march 11 investigation investigation of concept typologies, functions and structures march 12 critique march 13 - april 14 project development site plan, plans and sections, diagrams and sketches + site model and detail model april 15 critique april 16 - may 20 presentation material development clarification and conclusions of final presentation material may 21 submission of thesis project may 26 - june 08 presentation of thesis project

part III

method and process As the goal of the project is to create possibility to Investigation methods: adapt and revitalize the area to evolving demands by proposing a number of typologies and spacial config• Visual representations (collages and renderings) urations to the project site, the goal of the process is in ‘before’ and ‘after’ principle to find architectural solutions for the specific site, but at the same time to research methodological proposals • Diagrammatic principles of different typologies and for design strategies in post soviet neighborhoods. options of typology variations Urban. For understanding relations with the surroundings of the thesis site is essential to look from wider perspective. Principal diagrams will show the ideas in the wider context. Outside. Attention will be given to analyzing public, semi-public and private spaces, it’s relation. In addition to that, possibilities for increased parking demand will be investigated. Inside. Main challenge will be how to change mono-functional apartment units into mix of different typologies, both private or public.

Working models: spatial experiments as well as tectonic and structural principles •

•

Hand sketching in different scales

•

3D modeling and design testing techniques

•

Diagrams and info-graphics

List of abstract deliverable material: •

•

Context diagram 1:2000 (1:5000) The image will show buildings, public spaces, parks, streets. Site plan 1:500 (1:1000) The image will show buildings, public spaces, parks, streets and parking areas. The drawing will present the number of floors and purpose of the buildings. Principal plans, sections, facades 1:200 (1:500) A sufficient number of plans, sections and facades for the evaluation of the solution that show the figures of the buildings, elevation levels and connection to the surroundings. Detailed fragments of plans, sections 1:50 (1:100) Fragments should show materiality and explain tectonics and structure of solutions provided.

•

Needed illustrations to explain solutions

•

Site model 1:200 (1:500)

•

Fragment model 1:50 (1:100)

Due to the nature of the study, there will most likely be opportunity for further investigation, applications and directions beyond the solutions mentioned above. As such, submission is anticipated to evolve accordingly to the development of the project, and might differ from stated afore.

bibliography

“Vilniaus mikrorajonai – projektai ir tikrove: Šeškine, Justiniškes, Pašilaiciai ir Fabijoniškiai”; by Kazimieras Balenas; “Statyba ir architektura”; 1985, Nr. 11 “Visuotine lietuviu enciklopedija. Pašilaiciai”; Vilnius; 2010; p. 599-600 “Pažintis su Lietuva.Tukstantmecio knyga”; “Pašilaiciu seniunija”; Kaunas, 2000; p. 89 ‘Vilniaus miesto stambiaplokšciu namu tipai ir ju išdestymo schemos”; 1-ji dalis; by dr. Ceslovas Ignatavicius and inž. Vaclovas Zubrus; Vilnius; 2006 “Pasilaiciai - stambiaploksciai ir monolitiniai. Statyba ir architektura”; by Z. Sabaliauskas; Nr. 4 (372), p. 11-13 ;1990 “Tipinio projekto darbo brežiniai”; at UAB „Projektservisas“ archive, Vilnius, Goštauto g. 8 Belyayevo Forever: Preserving the Generic; Kuba Snopek; Strelka Press; 2013 “Volume #21: The Block”; by Archis+AMO+C-LAB (Author), Arjen Osterman (Editor), Rem Koolhaas (Editor), Mark Wigley (Editor), Jeffrey Inaba (Editor), Ole Bouman (Editor); October, 2009 “Vilnius 1900-2012. Naujosios architekturos gidas” by Julija Reklaite, Ruta Leitanaite; “Baltos Lankos”, 2011 “The selective value of alleles underlying polygenic traits. Genetics”; by M. Lynch; 108: 1021-1033; 1984 “Self-help housing: an evaluation of outcomes, Urban Studies”; by L. S. Burns; 20(3); 1983 “The future of social housing in Eastern Europe: reforms in Latvia and Ukraine, European Journal of Housing Policy”; by Tsenkova, S. & Turner, B.; 4(2); 2004 “Housing Privatization in the Baltic States (Lund: Lund University, Housing Development and Management)”; by Kursis, J.; 1999 “The long road to market” in: R. Struyk (Ed.) “Economic Restructuring of the Former Soviet Bloc: The Case of Housing”; by Struyk, R.; Washington DC: The Urban Institute Press; 1996 “Soviet Modernism 1955-1991: Unknown History; Serial Housing Construction in the Soviet Union: An architectural-historical approach” by Philipp Meuser; page: 273 - 283; 2013

Illustration on the cover: Micro-rayon; unknown photographer, Vilnius, 1979

curiculum vitae: ignas uogintas

WORK EXPERIENCE

COMPETITIONS, WORKSHOPS

MAXWAN ARCHITECTS AND URBANISTS BV

EUROPAN 12

ANDRE BALDI ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

TRAVELING WORKSHOPS WITH KIDS

Rotterdam the Netherlands; architect 2010 09 - 2013 06

Vilnius, Lithuania; architect 2007 03 - 2010 09

DZIEWONSKI LUKASZEWICZ ARCHITEKCI Wroclaw, Poland; architect 2008 07 - 2008 10

TERRA ARQUITECTURA STUDIO Valencia, Spain; architect 2007 12 - 2008 01

A. CERNIAUSKAS ARCHITECTURE STUDIO Siauliai, Lithuania; assist. architect 2006 06 - 2006 10

Seraing, Belgium; with D. Zakaite 2013 06

architecture [kids] fund;Teneniai, Lituania; with A. Dovydaviciute, J. Jonauskis, D. Zakaite, J. Muliuolyte, M. Aliukonyte,T. Jonauskis; 2013 06

OPEN SOURCE

international library competition; Daegu Gosan, South Korea; with D. Zakaite, A. Borejszo, J. Hilgefort 2012 11

KAUNAS CASTLE

architecture and urban design competition; Kaunas, Lithuania; with L. Rekevicius, A. Neniskis, T. Jonauskis, J.Muliuolyte, E. Matulaityte 2012 09; IIIrd prize

OFFICE NEXT TO LAKE

creative center; Trakai, Lithuania; with V. Vaiciulis, J. Dudenas 2012 09

EDUCATION ROYAL DANISH ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE master of architecture graduation project: “change the block” 2013 - now

ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE AMSTERDAM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

master of architecture 1st semester academic project awarded ”for the creativity” in “centras” competition, 2011, vilnius 2010 - 2011

VILNIUS GEDIMINAS TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

bachelor of architecture and urban planning with distinction graduation project: “urban regeneration of Vilnius Snipiskes district” was awarded for the best project in Lithuania 2005 - 2009

UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE VALENCIA erasmus exchange programme 2007 - 2008

SIAULIAI ART SCHOOL diploma in visual arts 2001 - 2005

ARCHFONDAS

activity in voluntary, independent non-profit organization, active in architecture, education and culture 2009 12 - 2010 09

EAST - EAST II; JAPAN VS LITHUANIA

regeneration of Markuciai district workshop; Vilnius, Lithuania; tutors: T. Ashihara, L. Naujokaitis 2009 06

MAPPING VILNIUS - MODELING VILNIUS

interdisciplinary workshop; tutors: choreographer J. Garcia, artist S. Bürkle, video artist J. Sucari 2009 06

DESIGN OF OGMIOS DISTRICT

workshop; Vilnius, Lithuania; with Karres en Brands Landschapsarchitecten 2008 10; Ist prize

ARCHITECTURE PARK

workshop; Vilnius, Lithuania; with Andre Baldi Architecture 2008 06

EVERYVILLE, LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA

competition; with D. Zakaite, J. Klybaite, E. Kazdailyte 2008 05

SIKON XIX, XX AND XXV students ideas workshop with G. Segzdavicius, D. Zakaite, Z. Urbas, L. Zakas 2006 06 (IInd prize); 2007 06; (Ist prize); 2012 07

the royal danish academy of fine arts, schools of architecture, design and conservation school of architecture ignas uogintas stud 5627, dep 3 program of master graduation project february 14, 2014

New Living Experiences Within the Old Block the royal danish academy of fine arts, schools of architecture, design and conservation school of architecture ignas uogintas stud 5627, dep 3 program of master graduation project tutor: troels rugbjerg february 14, 2014