From unique design to top-level acoustics: M. K. Čiurlionis Concert Center will stand out in the Baltic States with its engineering solutions
At the end of last year, one of Kaunas’ most ambitious projects began on the left bank of the Nemunas River – the construction of M. K. Čiurlionis Concert Center. This top-level hall for classical music will not only have an eye-catching façade, but also unique interior design solutions. And that’s not all – in the future, guests will be able to arrive to the hall on their own boats.
The winner of the architectural competition for M. K. Čiurlionis Concert Center is a joint team of “Paleko archstudija” and “Baltic Engineers”, part of the “BE LIVE” group of companies. Led by Rolandas Palekas, a laureate of the Lithuanian National Prize for Culture and Arts, the team of architects and experienced general designers has united a wide range of creative experts: architects, engineers, hydrologists and hydraulic specialists, as well as acoustics professionals.
In the vision that has been created, the palace will blend into the overall relief of the Nemunas riverbank, harmoniously complementing the surrounding urban environment, stretching across the river. Viewed from a distance, the object will appear to float above the water.
“Architects are creating the building in tandem with the general designer, who ensures the harmony of ideas and technical solutions. This allows architects to focus on what they know the best—building and landscape architecture,” says Darius Kvedaras, head of the “BE LIVE” group of companies, sharing his thoughts on the technical features of M. K. Čiurlionis Concert Center.
M. K. Čiurlionis Concert Center will stand out for its appearance. Could you tell us what will make it unique?
We have developed an entirely new solution made possible by the exceptional use of curved glass units in the façades. This type of solution is the only one of its kind in the Baltic States and will undoubtedly stand out for its architecture.
The volumes of the two halls will be “wrapped” in a transparent, gently light‑bending shell made of curved, undulating glass. The building’s roof and technical areas are planned to be covered with cut stretched‑aluminium mesh panels that echo the waves of the glass façade.
Can the building’s interior be expected to be just as exceptional?
The interior will be highlighted by the main concert hall, whose inside and outside surfaces will be clad in natural wood veneer. Part of the natural wood-finished volume of the main hall will be visible on the facade of the building, “escaping” through the roof.
When selecting materials for the decoration of the halls and public spaces of the building, careful consideration was given not only to their colors and the atmosphere they create, but also to their durability, acoustic properties and fire resistance.
Let’s talk about the acoustics of the building’s spaces. Will there be a difference between the main hall and the multifunctional hall?
It is particularly important to ensure sound insulation from external noise in the building. The main hall is designed for concerts with natural acoustics. The background noise level required inside this type of hall is quite high.
The main hall has been designed with an acoustic space adapted to natural symphonic music, with the possibility of using variable acoustic solutions, for example, adapting the hall’s acoustics to suit opera or chamber music performances. Such adaptation will be ensured taking into account the genre of the event.
The multifunctional hall will be able to host performances of various genres. The hall’s acoustics will be adapted for multifunctional activities, taking into account the type of concert planned for that evening.
Good acoustics is a must for top-level events – the space where the performance takes place must be perfect for both the performer and the audience.
What solutions will protect the building and its surroundings from potential flooding?
The building will be “raised” on a quay that rises above the possible water level of the river during the most severe possible floods. The underground parts of the building will be protected by pressure floors and soil embankments. Several exits located below the maximum flood level are designed with flood-resistant doors.
Looking at the visualizations, it can be said that in the future, guests will be able to arrive at M. K. Čiurlionis Concert Center even on their own boats. Is the plan unchanged, and is it difficult to build a marina next to such a building?
The marina at M. K. Čiurlionis Concert Center was proposed from the very beginning of the competition project – we believe that the possibility of reaching the building located right next to the water by boat will be beneficial not only to visitors of the concert center, but also in promoting a more active relationship between Kaunas residents and the city’s rivers.
Source: www.kaunas.lt
