Library Buildings around the World

Lithuania
4plius , Vilnius, Kaunus – Liuthania
http://www.4plius.com
Libraries:
Library of Šiauliai University, Renovation, Šiauliai – Liuthania 2008
A. and M. Miskiniai Public Library, Utena – Liuthania 2008
Size of library: 3.120m² Architects: Donaldas Trainauskas and Darius Baliukevičius (“D. Trainausko studija”, UAB “Vilniaus
archija”), Constructors: UAB "Statva" (Virginija Bakšienė, Vitas Merkevičius), Interior design: UAB „Matomų idėjų jėgainė“
Furniture supplier: UAB “Ambinga”, Overall Cost: € 2.609.000
Awards and recommended reading:
Traditional event of Lithuanian architecture biennial exhibition “Žvilgsnis į save” (“Introspection”), award for best realization of
the project
Detailed description:
The new building of the library was opened in March of 2008 after 3.5 years of reconstruction. Library project has been created by
the architects from D. Trainauskas studio. The authors of the project are Dainius Trainauskas and Darius Baliukevičius. Technical
project managers are Virginija Baikštienė and Vitas Merkevičius, general constructor - UAB “Statva”.
The idea was to destroy existing stereotypes of a conservative library and to build an open, light and transparent library, to create
the sense of freedom. Stairs were replaced by ramps in order to make the library easily accessible for everybody, including disabled
people.
The total area of the library is 3120 m2. Spaces are located in 3 floors and 6 levels. 3 main zones of the library are designed for
library users.
The first floor is intended for leisure. People can read fiction, current periodicals. Here both a video library and audio library are
available.
The conference hall and children zone are located in the 3rd level of the building between the ground and second floors. Children
can read, use the internet, play computer games, do some creative works, and listen to fairy-tales.
The second floor is designed for learning and information. Here, premises are separated by glass partitions. Visitors can find
everything what they need for studies – books, periodicals, reference, local studies, use databases and internet. Besides, there is a
space for temporary expositions.
On the third floor, administration of the library is settled.
The library invites any bypassed. People may move freely through all premises, library’s collections are open and walls/partitions
are transparent. It is a place designed for leisure, studies and cultural/educational events.
The total cost of Library renovation including all facilities is 9 million litas, 70 % committed by the Government of the Republic of
Lithuania, and 30 % by Utena District Municipality. (http://www.librarybuildings.info/country/liuthania)
G. Janulytés Bernotienés Studija, Kaunas – Liuthania
http://www.janulyte.lt
Libraries:
Library and Health Sciences Information Centre, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas – Lithuania
2007
Size of library: 4.076m², Overall Cost: € 3.570.000
Awards and recommended reading:
„The most impresive design“ award by journal „Namas ir Aš“ (House and Me) (2007);
A Year Interior Diploma in exhibition „Architektūra: Kaunas‘07“ (2007);
„Architect of the Year“ title (2007);
Award for the best project in exhibition „Lietuvos architektūra 2005-2007 žvilgsnis į save“ [Lithuanian architecture 2005-2007
Introspection];
Architectural idea or principle:
The idea was to transform a traditional library into a “learning tool” where learning and research process could be performed at the
library – starting from search for information up to the typography of research work. Minimalism architecture expression of the
building exterior is enriched with double glass surfaces and a bay-window on the southern facade. The approaches are decorated
with the symbolic sculpture „Consillium“ (Board of Doctors) by stasys Žirgulis. The inside is notably spacious and stylish. Trimmed
concrete material leads the idea of exposing materials and offers a succesful combination with stone tiles, tarket flooring, glass and
steel. All architectural solutions seem to be though over very carefully like using a purposely motivated interface. A hi-tech
impression of the building lies with a tectonically harmonized duet of form and function. (Archiforma: Lithuanian architecture
review, 2007, No2, P.21.)
Saulius Juskys, Kaunus - Liuthania
Libraries:
Panevéžys County Gabrielé Petkevičaité-Bité Public Library, Panevéžys – Liuthania 2006
5.000m²
Awards and recommended reading:
In 2006, architect Saulius Juškys was awarded National Culture and Art Prize of Lithuania for achieved harmony between
contemporary architecture and historic environment in the design of Panevėžys County Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė Public Library
and its interiors.