160 children will be educated in the kindergarten. The authors of the project idea are Archipoint LT, who won the open architectural competition for a new kindergarten organized by the Vilnius Development Company.
Harmony with the environment and modernity were sought
The works of the contestants were evaluated on the basis of urban integrity, quality of architectural solutions, education and Vilnius city. compliance criteria and price of the municipality’s needs. The winner was selected from twelve ideas by the competition evaluation committee, which consisted of the chairman of the committee – Vilnius m. chief architect Laura Kairienė – and five certified architects with experience in designing public buildings.
Pasal L. Kairienė’s idea of ”Shimtakojo” won the commission’s attention due to the successfully resolved issues of environmental integration, contextuality and space formation in a complex environment of free planning.
“During the design of the building, the existing trees are preserved, human-scale intersections are formed, and the elongated structure allows to keep the volume of the building as low as possible. The new complex will give the block urban composition and completeness. In addition, the chosen neutral architectural aesthetics creates the conditions to adapt the building to other public functions in the future, if necessary – this is a sustainable and far-sighted solution”, explained L.Kairienė.
While coordinating the project of this kindergarten, the Vilnius Development Company invited the district community to share their needs, which were included in the conditions of the public architectural competition.
“When organizing this competition, it was important that about 2,600 sq. m area kindergarten, which will be located on a plot of 0.5 ha of unusual shape, the architecture would be in harmony with the environment, the greenery would be preserved, but modernity from an urban and technological point of view would not be sacrificed. We aimed for the kindergarten’s spatial structure and interior elements to reflect the kindergarten’s values, culture, and learning philosophy,” says Laura Joffė, head of the Vilnius development company overseeing the project.
Each group has an inner courtyard
Tomas Jakovlev, head of the Archipoint LT company, said that by participating in the competition, the company wanted to contribute to changes in educational buildings.
“Archipoint LT” visualization/”Shimtakojis”
“Kindergarten is probably the most sensitive institution of educational buildings, the first step into community life. We aimed for the kindergarten we designed to resemble a home, to provide a cozy environment and, at the same time, space for the full growth of children. We are glad that our idea corresponded to the vision of the city and that after the implementation of this project both children and staff will be provided with a quality environment for education”, said T. Jakovlev, head of Archipoint LT company.
The authors of the idea plan that the group modules of the new kindergarten will be “sunk” on the main axis – the corridor. This creates semi-enclosed courtyards that allow us to use the potential of the elongated and narrow plot, integrate the existing vegetation of the plot and create private and safe spaces for the nursery. Each kindergarten group will have direct exits to outdoor patios or terraces. In the group rooms, there are areas for games and activities with kitchen niches and a sleeping area, which can be separated by a sliding partition if necessary.
Children’s playgrounds are designed in irregular round shapes, music zones, sandboxes, health paths, gardening spaces, rubber tracks and integrated green spaces are provided.
The end of construction is in 2028.
The total number of children attending the kindergarten is planned – about 160 children. It will have at least 8 groups. It is estimated that about 45 employees will be needed to service, administer and educate the needs of the kindergarten.
Vilnius development company and Vilnius city. project proposals will be prepared after the municipal administration signs the contract with the authors of the idea. It is planned that the kindergarten will be built in 2028.
Prizes will be awarded to the participants who submitted the four best project proposals of this architectural project competition: 1st place winner will receive 10,000 EUR, 2nd – 8,000 EUR, 3rd – 5,000 EUR, 4th – 3,000 EUR.
All proposals that met the requirements for the planned scientific building in Braškių st. 54, in Vilnius, according to the final list of offers:
- Archipoint LT UAB – Šimtakojis
- UAB “Metro architektur” – “Braškė”
- UAB “AEXN” – “Nykštukynė”
- UAB “SP architektų grupė” – “Žiogas”
- Lithuanian and Finnish UAB “Architektūros Linija” – “Braškės”
- UAB “Baltic Engineers” – “Children’s Field”
- MB “Paičius ir Grigaitis” – “Panda”
- asa Sigitas Kuncevičius design firm, operating on the basis of joint activity with MB “AIAI projektai” – “Pin art.”
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#clear #kindergarten #Jerusalem #district #Vilnius #Business
**Interview with Tomas Jakovlev, Head of Archipoint LT**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Tomas. Your firm recently won the architectural competition to design a new kindergarten in Vilnius. Can you tell us about the vision behind your design?
**Tomas Jakovlev:** Thank you for having me! Our vision for the kindergarten, which we call “Shimtakojis,” was to create a nurturing, home-like environment that will foster children’s growth and development. We aimed to integrate the building harmoniously with its natural surroundings while ensuring it meets modern educational needs. Each group has its own courtyard, promoting outdoor play and learning.
**Editor:** That sounds wonderful! What were the critical factors that influenced your design?
**Tomas Jakovlev:** Several key aspects guided our design. First, we wanted to preserve the existing trees and greenery on the site, which helps create a comfortable atmosphere. We also focused on forming human-scale spaces and using an elongated structure to maintain a low building profile. Our goal was to create an inviting and safe environment while ensuring that the architecture reflects the values and culture of early childhood education.
**Editor:** How did the community’s input play a role in your design process?
**Tomas Jakovlev:** Community input was crucial. The Vilnius Development Company invited local residents to share their needs and preferences, which were incorporated into the competition criteria. We heard from families about what they wanted in a kindergarten, allowing us to design spaces that truly reflect the community’s aspirations.
**Editor:** What innovative features can future students and staff look forward to in this kindergarten?
**Tomas Jakovlev:** We designed semi-enclosed courtyards for each group, providing safe, private spaces for children to explore. The group rooms will have functional areas for play, cooking, and resting, which can easily adapt to different activities. Additionally, the outdoor play areas will include non-standard shapes, music zones, and even gardening spaces, allowing children to engage with nature directly.
**Editor:** It’s exciting to hear about such thoughtful features! When can the community expect the kindergarten to be completed?
**Tomas Jakovlev:** The kindergarten is set for completion in 2028. We are currently in the phase of finalizing the project details after the city administration formally approves our plans. We’re looking forward to contributing positively to the community with this educational facility.
**Editor:** Thank you, Tomas, for sharing your insights. Your commitment to creating a harmonious and enriching environment for children is evident, and we’re excited to see the completed kindergarten in the coming years.
**Tomas Jakovlev:** Thank you for the opportunity! We’re thrilled to be part of this important project for the children and families of Vilnius.