Boksto 6 by Studio Seilern brings ‘transformative restoration’ to Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania
Boksto 6, in Vilnius, Lithuania, was designed by architect Christina Seilern as a mixed-use development in the heart of the 500-year-old Unesco World Heritage-protected Old Town. Described as a ‘transformative restoration’ Studio Seilern Architects' designs preserve a historic complex of buildings, while fully modernising and elevating them with a series of dynamic interventions reflecting the capital city’s contemporary community.
To resolve past and present, Seilern was guided by Article 21 of Unesco’s Vienna memorandum that outlines how pseudo-historical design constitutes a denial of both historical and contemporary alike. As a result, the clarity of the Gothic and Baroque proportions has been retained – the vaulted corridors and soaring chapel nave – as well as much of the historical fabric, such as original brick walls, timber beams and restored frescoes.
Yet a series of careful ‘insertions’ of new concepts and materials places Boksto 6 firmly in the present. The ‘tower’ and restaurant roof are made of polished Japanese steel which kaleidoscopically mirror Baroque spires, the sky, the old linden tree in the courtyard . In the subterranean spa, circular roof lights, smooth terrazzo and white oiled oak offer lightness and sensory contrasts to heritage.
In regards to these ‘insertions’, Seilern, a former founding director of Rafael Viñoly Architects who set up Studio Seilern Architects in 2006, references light and space artist, the landscaping of the Alhambra and concepts of ‘unstable equilibrium’, levitation and infinity. 'I like the idea of using reflection and light as a form of anti-structuralism,' says Seilern. 'Rather than revealing the structure, you're playing with it.
Modern architecture is often met with resistance in Vilnius Old Town, where customary white plastered walls and red clay tiled roofs follow Unesco guidelines. Yet with a growing population, the city is also seeking to densify. Seilern found a compromise with her roof at Boksto 6; an aluminium shading system that brings natural daylight into the upper spaces, but also keeps the required visual consistency. 'It’s not radical, it’s the right thing to do,' she says of her solution.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Indie studio warns other developers after being unable to claim its own name on DiscordRusty Lake, creator of games like Rusty Lake Hotel and the Cube Escape series, has found someone squatting on its Discord username.
Read more »
Former Battlefield creative director Lars Gustavsson unveils new studio TTK GamesFormer Battlefield creative director Lars Gustavsson unveils new studio TTK Games, which is developing a 'next-generation online shooter'
Read more »
Former Battlefield creative director announces new studio TTK Games | VGCFormer Battlefield creative director Lars Gustavsson has announced the formation of a new game development studio, TTK Games (Time To Kill Games).
Read more »
Ubisoft’s Star Wars game is reportedly planned for release by March 2024 | VGCUbisoft Massive’s open-world Star Wars game is reportedly planned for release by March 2024
Read more »
'He was a true inspiration to others' - Yorkshire community studio set up in memory of Leeds teen with passion for musicDonovan Webster was like any other teenager – a cheeky, outgoing lad with a passion for music, living life to the full, and bursting with a relentless optimism which inspired everyone around him.
Read more »
Here's our first look at System Shock 2: Enhanced EditionNightdive Studios has dropped a first-look teaser to get you excited for System Shock 2: Enhanced Edition. The studio h…
Read more »