Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) and the Lithuanian Architects’ Association have signed a contract for organizing an architectural ideas competition. Together with national experts, LTOU aims to select and later implement the best architectural ideas by the end of this year or early next year for the new capital’s arrival terminal and its surroundings, planned to be built by the end of 2028.
LTOU representatives say that while selecting the essential arrival terminal solution will be a priority in the architectural ideas competition, it won’t be the only important condition for participants.
“The competition’s central focus is undoubtedly selecting the best project proposal for the new arrival terminal, which is vital for the capital’s airport given the rapidly growing passenger flow. However, there are many needs to integrate other elements around the arrival terminal, such as the future Rail Baltica underground connection station, as well as the new departure terminal starting next year and the reconstructed central square,” says Arnas Dūmanas, LTOU Development Department Head.
According to the Development Head, international experts who analyzed and prepared long-term airport development plans (until 2052) last year also emphasize Vilnius Airport’s need for a new arrival terminal.
“We’re pleased that an international architectural competition was chosen to transform Vilnius Airport. This not only provides a professional opportunity to select the best solution from a wide spectrum of architectural ideas and find the best functional and visual architectural concept for Vilnius Airport, but also to present it comprehensively to both local and international communities,” comments architect Gintaras Balčytis, Chairman of the Lithuanian Architects Association.
The service contract between LTOU and the Lithuanian Architects Association is valued at 132,000 euros (excluding VAT). The contract covers various services delivered in stages, with the final competition stage planned for late this year or early next year, when the winner or winning team with the best airport development idea will be announced.
According to the Lithuanian Architects Association representatives, they will soon discuss technical requirements for organizing the public competition with LTOU representatives, detailing its stages, and all information will be made public.
The architectural competition will include a prize fund for the authors or teams with the best project proposals.