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After winning an international design competition for a mixed-use tower in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2016, funding has been secured for the Studio Libeskind-designed K18B, and construction has been approved. New renderings released by the architect have given us a better glimpse into the project's future and how it has evolved since first being announced. The tower will likely be one of the tallest buildings to be constructed in the country and will house a mix of office space, a luxury hotel, and retail including restaurants, shops and public amenities throughout.
A development by Lords LB Asset Management, the project is positioned in an emerging part of the city that has consistently attracted other business hubs, residents, and tourists. Taking advantage of its location in the heart of Vilinus' downtown business district, the project of roughly 215,000 square feet will contribute greatly to its surroundings.
Since the unveiling of the project, new renderings have emerged that illustrate slight changes to the design. The massing of the project when it was first announced had the quintessential Libeskind characteristics of crystalline forms and planes intersecting with each other. However, recent renderings show a slightly more conservative approach to the building, most notably a streamlining of the central tower.
Previously, the volume had a large extension growing out of its east side midway up the elevation — this has since been removed. The western side of tower also had a large extension leaning out from its base, which has since been revised to a more sleek extrusion.
Renderings of the interior lobby have also been released, showing a palette of materials that include warm wood, stone, and glass, with the iconic Libeskind intersecting linear portholes lining the elevated walkways.
The public realm leading up to the complex from the White Bridge and surrounding the complex has also been refined. Previously, renderings depicted areas of grass bordered by simple walkways and stepped seating. The areas surrounding the complex now feature wider pathways of varying slopes and grades leading to different levels of the complex.
The project is targeting a completion date in 2020. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
