Photo: vilnius-airport.lt
Author: vilnius-airport.lt
Source: vilnius-airport.lt
Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) has announced that the shortlist of the best architectural concepts for the new Vilnius Airport arrivals terminal has been finalized. A jury of international experts, consisting of airport representatives and renowned architects from Lithuania and abroad, selected five top ideas, with first place awarded to the globally renowned architectural studio Zaha Hadid Architects.
Reklāma
A total of 11 submissions met all the competition requirements. The jury noted a strong level of competition and a high number of quality entries. According to LTOU, both Lithuanian and international architectural teams participated in the competition, recognizing the strategic importance of the new arrivals terminal for Lithuania’s aviation sector and economic growth. The goal is for the terminal to be completed by the end of 2028.
"The Vilnius Airport arrivals terminal must evolve — it no longer meets current needs or future ambitions. This terminal is the gateway to Lithuania and forms every visitor’s first impression. I’m pleased that the competition attracted a large number of high-quality and creative ideas, and the top-ranked projects offer modern, convenient, and future-proof solutions," said Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis.
The jury ranked the top five architectural teams as follows:
📍Zaha Hadid Architects (United Kingdom)
📍UAB Aplan (Lithuania)
📍MB SYRUSAS, operating as IMPLMNT architects (Lithuania)
📍One Works (Italy)
📍UAB Baltic Engineers (Lithuania)
"Our key objectives are functionality and an outstanding passenger experience. We're glad that the winning architectural concept reflects these priorities while introducing original solutions. The proposed design subtly blends modern, future-oriented infrastructure with Lithuanian cultural identity. We see this terminal as a strong symbol and welcoming gateway for visitors," said Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports.
Construction procurement for the new terminal is expected to begin in early 2027.
"I'm pleased that a mature and professional architectural solution has been selected for such a large-scale public infrastructure project. It’s a design that boldly looks to the future while respecting its context and surroundings. I believe the new terminal will ensure both functionality and comfort for passengers and become a benchmark of sustainable, high-quality architectural development in Vilnius," commented Laura Kairienė, Chief Architect of Vilnius City.
A Design That Unites Tradition and Modernity
According to the winning architects, their proposal for the new arrivals terminal aims to integrate all Vilnius Airport terminals into a single cohesive complex with a clear and modern identity. The new terminal would form a symmetrical extension of the existing terminals.
A major focus is on connectivity – the terminal will be designed to smoothly integrate with train, bus, bicycle, and other transportation modes. The project prioritizes comfortable movement for pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities, and incorporates sustainable solutions such as rainwater harvesting systems, greenery, and construction and finishing materials made from natural resources. Clear visual orientation, signage, and spacious public areas will enhance the passenger experience.
The concept aims to harmoniously merge Lithuanian cultural identity with contemporary design. The terminal's shape draws on diamond and triangle geometries, inspired by traditional Lithuanian motifs. The new terminal and forecourt are envisioned as a unified whole that meets current demands and allows for flexible future expansion.
Prizes Awarded for Top Concepts
According to the competition guidelines, the authors of the best concepts will receive monetary awards. A total prize fund of €120,000 will be distributed among the authors of the five top-ranked proposals.
Now that the shortlist has been established, a 10-calendar-day appeals period is in effect, in line with public procurement procedures. After this period, the winner will be invited to confidential negotiations for the contract to prepare the technical design for the terminal and its surrounding infrastructure.
The proposals were evaluated by a special jury based on qualitative criteria. Jury members included:
📍Laura Kairienė (Chief Architect of Vilnius City)
📍Mariia Grachova (Architect, Director of the Brussels office at Chapman & Taylor, UK)
📍Tom Holtmann (Partner and Project Director at Nordic Office of Architecture, Norway)
and representatives of Lithuanian Airports.
More information is available on the official architectural competition website: www.vnocompetition.lt
To publish this article please contact BalticTravelnews.eu editorial board
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