tauras concert hall, Vilnius
Inspired by the works of the Lithuanian artist M.K. Čiurlionis, our architectural concept for the National Concert Hall is based on the duality of two main elements: ‘the mountain’ and ‘the cloud’.
The mountain emerges from the existing landscape and forms an extension of Tauras Hill within the building. It appears as a sturdy, solid volume that contains an immaculate concert space. Multiple ramps and stairs are carved into the mountain to give access to the various entrances to the main music hall. On top of this, an exterior path weaves around the mountain, providing public access to the roof of the building, for outdoor happenings and magnificent views of Vilnius. The cloud floats gently above the ground and eventually dissolves into the ceiling. Hidden inside the cloud, we find the small hall, as well as a number of additional spaces for cultural activities.
The plaza on the east side of the building, which is positioned on top of the underground car park, functions as an entrance square for people coming from multiple directions. As a multifunctional public space, it can host a variety of open-air festivities, while serving as a lively connector between the main entrance to the Concert Hall and the park.
Separated from the surrounding park by a glass curtain facade, the Concert Hall becomes an extension to the park and an accessible multifunctional platform for the city
In the void between the mountain and the cloud we place the ‘public space’ of the Concert Hall. The entrance facilities, lobby space, restaurant and other freely accessible functions are located here. Separated by just a glass curtain facade from the surrounding park, the Concert Hall becomes an extension to the park and an accessible multifunctional platform for the city.
Arriving on top of the hill, the visitor finds himself in front of a building that expresses lightness, openness and joyfulness. When the glass facade slides up and opens, boundaries between inside and outside disappear and the park and the foyer space blend together. Through a cloud of thin irregular columns, hanging from the ceiling like frozen rain, one enters the grand foyer of the Concert Hall, in a void-like space that works as the main public space of the building. It’s a vibrant, informal space, accessible to the public, regardless of the concert hours.
ground floor plan
One of the main highlights of the space is the restaurant, sunken in the pit under the largest cloud. It’s a cosy, intimate space where families can enjoy a Sunday brunch, a young professional can work on his laptop during the day, or an elderly couple can enjoy a piano concerto in the evening. Attached to the restaurant pit is the open podium for performers. Other functions located in the foyer space are the reception, cloakroom, and commercial facilities such as the bookshop.
The cloud is composed of hundreds of cylindrical shapes, suspended from the ceiling, which filter the light, dim the acoustics in the foyer and create the effect of a sheer veil.
From the grand brass staircase, located in the northern part of the foyer, visitors can reach the small hall. It is a multifunctional hall that can transform from amphitheatre space to level-floor space. The layout and acoustics of the hall can be adjusted to suit different kinds of musical performances as well as rehearsals. In terms of décor and lighting, the atmosphere of the hall is closer to a pop podium. Specially designed vertical lighting strips change the identity of the hall and its atmosphere with each type of performance.
The culmination of the building that crowns the trip, from the very bottom of the hill, through the park, to the Plaza and into the building, is the rooftop of the Concert Hall that overlooks Vilnius city centre
When visitors have purchased tickets for a concert, the journey continues on the mountain, which contains the main hall of the building. The mountain is a solemn and monumental part of the Concert Hall. Entering the hall is a serene and magnificent moment. The stage is sunken below ground at -1 level, whereas the audience accesses the hall from levels 1 and 2, walking down to their seats towards the stage.
The organization of the hall is vineyard type, which is more democratic and allows the audience to surround the stage from all sides. The tribune shapes are slightly irregular and asymmetrical, just like the rocky terraces of the mountain. The organ is placed in a niche, carved in the wall behind the stage. The choir balcony is also placed on that side. Dark wood floors and ceiling as well as the brass details of railings add to the chic touch of the interior.
The culmination of the building that crowns the trip, from the very bottom of the hill, through the park, to the Plaza and into the building, is the rooftop of the Concert Hall. To get to this roof garden, visitors can ascent the monumental staircase in the foyer, or take the public exterior ramp on the east side of the mountain. Both routes result in entering the impressively large terrace that overlooks Vilnius city centre. The slightly stepped artificial landscape of the roof serves as an informal theatre, where visitors can sit and listen to a performance or simply enjoy a panoramic view over the city. The rooftop bar is a perfect feature to facilitate various events, enjoying summer evenings on the roof of the building.
The restaurant, sunken in the pit under the largest cloud, is a cosy, intimate space where families can enjoy a Sunday brunch, a young professional can work on his laptop during the day, or an elderly couple can enjoy a piano concerto in the evening
Project Details
- Site
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Client
- Municipality of Vilnius
- Design
- 2019
- Size
- 16.700 m2
- Program
- Concert hall
- Assignment
- Competition
- Team
- Patrick Meijers, Jeroen Schipper, Filippo Garuglieri, Haneen Al Hafadhi, Athanasia Kalaitzidou, Paulina Kurowska, Matilde Miuzzi, Julija Osipenko, Rutger Schoenmaker, Elena Staskute
- Advisors
- ABT, Felixx Landscape Architects
- Visuals
- Vero Visuals, Orange Architects
Publications