Daniel Libeskind to design shiny mixed-use complex in Vilnius

Daniel Libeskind is making his mark — in all its signature jagged, geometric wonder — throughout the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. In addition to the Modern Art Centre of Vilnius and the Vilnius Beacon sports and wellness center at the Liepkalnis ski resort, Studio Libeskind won the competition to design a new mixed-use building complex on Konstitucijos Avenue 18B. The Vilnius Municipality, the Lithuanian Union of Architects, and Lords LB Asset Management co-organized the competition.

Located in the heart of Vilnius' business district, the new Downtown Tower-k18B building complex will be strategically placed at the nexus of the White Bridge, Neris River, and the Old Town.

Libeskind's winning scheme is a progression of glassy volumes — with the tallest tower reaching 18-stories and set atop a 6-story podium connected by a glass-covered galleria. More than €40 million will be invested into the project.

As if the tower's geometric form wasn't already eye-catching enough, its exterior will show off reflective transparent and opaque surfaces. The ground floor of the 20,000 square-meter building complex will feature a restaurant, bar, retail space, as well as hotel and office lobbies.

“The idea for the Downtown Tower-K18B is to create a 21st -century landmark for the city, while integrating the surrounding context to complement the urban fabric of the historic city,” Daniel Libeskind stated. “The design will create a vibrant mixed-use complex that will invigorate and enliven the development of the neighborhood.”