Urban Design Concept for Vilnius Airport
Vilnius Airport’s Master Plan envisions expansion, increased capacity, and integration with evolving aviation trends. Our urban design supports this vision by incorporating future traffic projections, phased development, sustainability, and financial viability. The proposal introduces innovative architectural solutions that reflect Lithuanian culture and contemporary design while enhancing passenger experience.

Urban Integration
Terminal 5 is designed as a symmetrical counterpart to Terminal 4, rebalancing the airport complex and reinforcing a clear identity. Positioned alongside the historic Terminal 1, the new expansion harmonizes the composition while modernizing the perception of the heritage building. The distinctive roof of T5 also defines the new Airport Plaza.
The project aligns with competition specifications and local planning regulations. The new structures respect the existing typology, height, and scale while establishing a distinct identity. Carefully selected materials and facades ensure a modern, user-friendly, and sustainable environment.
Designed as an intermodal hub, the complex integrates trains, buses, taxis, private and rental cars, and bicycles. Dedicated vehicle lanes reduce congestion and enhance efficiency. Planned transport connections, including new streets, railways, and the underground Rail Baltica station, seamlessly link to the Airport Plaza.

Connectivity & Accessibility
The project fosters strong connections with surrounding areas through pedestrian-friendly streets, walkways, and bike paths, in line with Vilnius’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. Accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals with disabilities is prioritized, ensuring smooth transitions between various transport modes.

Social & Environmental Considerations
Located within an industrial and service zone, the proposal emphasizes human-centereddesign, incorporating green spaces and multi-use areas to enhance environmental sustainability and community engagement. Landscaping prioritizes water-absorbing surfaces while preserving mature trees where possible. Stormwater management solutions include permeable pavements and rain gardens.

Functional Zoning & Development Phases
A clear terminal identity is maintained across all project phases. The functional zoning strategy minimizes demolitions and rework, ensuring that most Phase 1 elements remain intact through Phases 3 and 4. The iconic design of T5 and the airport complex remains visible at all stages, with embedded phasing strategies supporting efficient expansion.

Visual Connections
The design strengthens spatial relationships, improving movement, wayfinding, and identity. A new visual axis links Rodūnia Street to the planned arrivals terminal, while another axis along the linear parking area features tree-lined walkways, public spaces, and interactive elements. Clear signage and visual cues enhance intuitive navigation

1. General Concept The redevelopment of Vilnius Airport’s arrivals terminal (Terminal 5) aims to enhance passenger experience, optimize operational efficiency, and integrate modern functionality while respecting the historical significance of Terminal 1. The project prioritizes seamless connectivity, sustainability, and user-centered design.

2. Urban Design Terminal 5 complements the existing architectural context by integrating with both Terminal 1’s heritage and Terminal 4’s modernity. The design fosters strong visual and functional connections, emphasizing open spaces, natural light, and smooth passenger flow. Landscaping and urban elements ensure accessibility and continuity.

3. Materiality & Sustainability The terminal will use durable, locally sourced materials, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency. Features include renewable energy integration (solar panels, geothermal heating), passive design for natural ventilation and lighting, and green building certifications (LEED/BREEAM).

4. Structural & Engineering Solutions The design ensures open, column-free spaces with lightweight yet strong materials. Smart technologies, such as automated baggage handling and modular construction techniques, provide operational flexibility and future scalability.

5. Functional Layout

• Level 1: Arrivals hall, baggage claim, customs, public services.
• Level 2: Passenger waiting areas, Schengen and Non-Schengen connections.
• Level 3: Administrative offices, restaurants with airfield views.
• Level 4: Commercial office space.
• Plaza: A central public space connecting the terminals and future Rail Baltica station. 6. Terminal & Infrastructure Expansion The project includes:
• Terminals 6 & 7: Dedicated spaces for Schengen and Non-Schengen passengers.
• Hotel Development: Integrated pedestrian connections, co-working spaces, wellness areas.
• Multi-Storey Car Park: 500–600 spaces, EV charging, bicycle parking, and pedestrian access.

7. Mobility & Transportation The design prioritizes efficient transport integration, featuring:

• Well-defined pick-up/drop-off zones.
• Seamless pedestrian connections to intercity buses and public transport.
• Green spaces and waiting areas for passenger comfort.

8. Phased Development Strategy

Phase 1: Core Terminal 5 construction, baggage claim, and transit connections.
Phase 2: Development of public plaza and enhanced transport links.
Phase 3: Expansion of Terminal 5 and removal of obsolete structures.
Phase 4: Future developments, including hotel, multi-story parking, and additional terminals.

9. Passenger Experience The terminal is designed for intuitive navigation, stress-free movement, and diverse amenities such as retail, dining, and relaxation zones. Features include wayfinding systems, quiet areas, and biophilic elements for enhanced well-being.

NEW WINGS OF VILNIUS reimagines the International Airport Vilnius as a sustainable and user-friendly hub. Large curved wooden beams symbolize Lithuania’s natural heritage and enhance the structure’s transparency and elegance. Inspired by the White Stork, the design harmonizes tradition and modernity while prioritizing efficiency and environmental responsibility. A central plaza integrates the old Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4 with the new Terminal 5, ensuring a seamless urban composition. Smart technologies, renewable energy systems, and biophilic elements optimize resource efficiency and passenger well-being. The master plan enhances accessibility with integrated rail, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian connections. Public spaces balance security and openness, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Advanced security solutions, including biometric authentication and AI-driven monitoring, ensure safety while maintaining efficiency. By blending functionality with sustainability, the project establishes a future-proof aviation landmark for Vilnius.

Our vision and idea for Terminal 5 at Vilnius Airport is to create a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport hub that integrates with the existing airport while embracing Lithuanian culture and its modernity. This architectural proposal draws from local references, weaving them into a contemporary design that reflects innovation, novelty, and flexibility, ensuring a terminal that is both timeless and adaptable to future aviation needs.

With a strong focus on user experience, the terminal offers a seamless journey where efficiency meets comfort. Smart design optimizes flow and connectivity, making travel smooth and enjoyable. Safety & security are central, ensuring resilience for all travelers.

As a transport hub, Terminal 5 will connect Lithuania to the world, embracing stakeholder collaboration to foster a dynamic synergy between airlines, businesses, and passengers. The architecture harmonizes local identity with global ambition, setting a new standard for contemporary airport design.

More than an extension, Terminal 5 is a gateway to Lithuania’s aviation future, where heritage and progress unite in an inspiring architectural statement.

The project presents a modern, efficient, and welcoming gateway, embodying the spirit of Lithuania. Interconnected design principles prioritise a passenger-centric approach to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience, achieved through functional efficiency, futureproofing, and integration. Sustainability is key, addressed through green infrastructure, low-carbon materials, and energy efficiency. These principles converge to create a distinctive gateway with a strong sense of place. A key architectural element is natural light, shaping the building’s elevation and identity. Volumes are connected by a gentle curve, with expansive glazing illuminating spaces and guiding users. The design embraces cultural and aesthetic appeal, respecting Vilnius’s heritage, while functionality extends outside, encompassing green and public spaces, to enhance comfort and efficiency. The design considers all users, to create a great and memorable impression that is uniquely reflective of Vilnius.

Vilnius Airport represents safe yet open, contemporary, and sustainable architecture that continues the city’s urban development. Though a passenger’s stay at the airport is TEMPORARY, it creates a CONNECTION – this is the essence of the CONTEMPORARY Vilnius Airport.

The primary urban challenge is the highly varied and incomplete structure of the airport buildings, the inconsistent aesthetics, and the inactive public space network. Urban planning solutions encode complexity and integrate a public connectivity network throughout the planned area.

The entire architectural vision for the airport expansion is based on unified principles. A consistent architectural code is applied to both the planned arrivals terminal and future development stages, reflecting modernity, sustainability, and openness. This typology requires a unique architectural expression, as airport buildings undeniably become landmarks that shape identity.

In the case of the new Vilnius Airport, architecture does not aim to create mere visual impact but rather an experience, a connection with the city and country. The architecture communicates Lithuania’s core values—innovation, sustainability, and transparency.

The design seeks to unify and connect the fragmented structures of Vilnius Airport while creating a welcoming and efficient passenger experience. Responding to the requirement of integration into the context, the proposal introduces a continuous canopy that visually and functionally links the new and existing buildings, as well as public spaces. This canopy defines a new architectural identity while allowing individual structures to remain distinct and recognizable.

It will be constructed using locally sourced wood, ensuring sustainability and a connection to the country’s building traditions. The material selection and color palette will match the surrounding environment, responding to contemporary Lithuanian architecture trends that emphasize minimalism, natural textures, and sustainability.

The urban design for the competition area carefully considers a diverse range of transportation modes essential for seamless access to and from the airport. These include public transit, private vehicles, taxis, and service transport, ensuring efficient and convenient mobility for all travelers. Additionally, the design prioritizes the integration of high-quality public spaces, offering areas for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction.

The development is planned in phases to ensure continuous functionality of the airport and minimal disruption to ongoing operations:

Phase 1: Construction of the new Arrivals Terminal, along with public space in front of it, serving mainly passenger circulation, with waiting areas and greenery. A two-lane street with parking is built. 

Phase 2: Airport “Plaza” replaces the existing ramp between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, Public space in front of T1 is developed, including an intercity bus station with 10 parking spaces for buses, a bus station waiting area and a playground.

Phase 3: Air Traffic Control Tower is demolished and, in its’ place, arrivals terminal is expanded to accommodate a bigger passenger flow.

Phase 4: New departure terminals T6 and T7 are constructed, a hotel in front of the Arrivals Terminal with a 4-level underground parking is built.

During each phase, careful planning ensures that transportation and pedestrian movement remain efficient and uninterrupted. Temporary solutions such as provisional parking areas and adjusted traffic flows will be implemented as necessary.

The urbanistic idea of the complex was determined by the position of the existing urban structures. The composition concept respects the supposed axis of symmetry passing through the current T1, T2 and T3 terminals. The shapes of newly designed volumes are moderate rectangular, avoiding mannered forms. The main arrival terminal program is very clearly divided into two parts – the functional premises of the arrival terminal and the office building. This concept of dividing different functions is reflected in the composition of the complex’s volumes. The office volume of the building, suspended above the arrival terminal, conceptually floats in space, helping to avoid the intersection of circulation and functions. Both the offices and the arrival terminal have an excellent visual connection with the runway.

The image of the building’s interior is formed by the concept of spatial structures inspired by Lithuanian cultural traditions SODAI – the straw garden making. The modern interpretation of gardens inspired the shape of the capital of the column supporting the roof covering. The airport becomes a gateway to new spaces, countries and the knowledge of wider world spaces.

Arriving into Vilnius, is travelling to a country defined by its connection to nature, forests, traditions in wood craftsmanship and cultural heritage such as the ‘sodai’. The terminal and plaza celebrates this cultural value in a contemporary and sustainable manner, using a wooden structure inspired by the sacred ‘Sodai’ geometry.

From an Urban scale, our proposal aims to efficiently connect the site pedestrian, cycle, bus & car connections while creating a pleasant experience of moving throughout the site. Public spaces are designed in such a way, that creates easy to follow routes for users of the site, using direct visual connections for ease of navigation. Pathways use colour themed tiles that lead to various important destinations within the site, such as bus stops and kiss and ride zone. Public spaces have areas to stop and rest, creating a sense of place, rather than just a transitory experience, fostering the site to become a true transport hub, rather than just an airport. 

The architectural idea of Terminal T5 and the connecting square PLAZA is to minimize clean volumes that harmonize and connect the existing buildings. The main attention is focused on the arrangement and purification of internal spaces and functions, and a harmonious connection with the existing terminals. The existing buildings with their abundance of architectural details are softened by the designed rectangular volumes of Terminal T5 and the PLAZA. The entrance areas and the main facade of the PLAZA are glazed, opening and connecting the internal and external public spaces of the airport. The northern and southern entrances of the PLAZA are connected by a canopy, which connects all terminals into one common element of the airport.

The connecting square space is dominant, connecting all existing and prospective terminals. When arriving at the Vilnius Airport territory, a mirror plane is formed, which reflects the changing views and colors of the sky and the old terminal.

Vilnius Airport is in a unique location—close to the city and surrounded by an urbanized area.
The airport is situated in the Naujininkai district, in the southern part of the city.

Previously, the area had an industrial purpose. Currently, industrial facilities are being replaced by administrative buildings, storage, and service functions.
The territory of Vilnius Airport is highly constrained by surrounding developments and regulations. Therefore, the competition was largely based on the prepared Vilnius Airport development plan, which already defines possible construction zones.

When designing the project, volumes were planned within specifically designated areas.
The design of airport buildings follows a central composition, with the existing old arrivals terminal (T1) remaining at the center.

The new arrivals terminal is designed to align in size, scale, and position with the existing departures terminal and surrounding buildings.
The departures and arrivals terminals are connected via a plaza.

A hotel and a multi-story parking facility are planned in front of the arrivals terminal.
These buildings are arranged to create a perimeter development together with the surrounding structures.

A covered walkway is planned between the arrivals terminal and the newly designed hotel.
The layout of the buildings is also influenced by transportation and airport service infrastructure.

The competition involves designing multiple buildings that form a cohesive airport complex. The new structures integrate with and enhance the existing ones to create a harmonious and functional ensemble. The goal is to ensure that new volumes and infrastructure blend with the existing environment rather than contrast with it.

The complex’s main compositional axis runs along the departures terminal, the existing preserved arrivals terminal, and the new arrivals terminal. Transportation is organized along this axis through three roundabouts, with pedestrian movement also directed along the same path.