Bokšto Skveras

Michael Middleton Special Award

Presented as a memorial and tribute to Michael Middleton CBE, who established the Civic Trust Awards in 1959, to an outstanding restoration project or new build within a conservation area.

Bokšto Skveras Citation

Bokšto Skveras stands as a testament to the meticulous fusion of architecture, design, restoration, and conservation, embodying nearly two decades of dedication to revitalise a dilapidated city block in Vilnius.

Comprising six heritage buildings, including the former Savičius Hospital and the lost St Elisabeth Chapel, the site presented a significant historic interest, recognised, and protected by UNESCO. The challenge lay in navigating the intricate layers of history woven into the architectural fabric. Seven years of archaeological investigations preceded a thorough research and concept development phase, leading to the granting of building permission in 2014.

The intricate task of discerning which elements of the original Baroque architecture to retain and restore involved systematic research, detailed design, planning consultation, and an elaborate restoration and construction process. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, where a rich variation of programmatic functions breathes life into the heritage spaces. Bokšto Skveras emerges as a mixed-use scheme with workplaces, apartments, a spa, and a restaurant. The restoration of the historic St Elisabeth Church into a multifunctional space reflects a commitment to preserving and adapting heritage for contemporary needs, allowing the venue to host conferences, concerts, and personal events. Contemporary additions, conceived with a strong design ethos, complement the historic structures. A mirrored façade on the essential fire escape transforms a pragmatic element into a sculptural masterpiece, harmonising with the surroundings.

The sunken restaurant, Gastronomika, seamlessly extends from the gothic cellars, showcasing a polished steel roof that serves as a modern connector while disappearing into the collective urbanism. An audacious architectural intervention involved the reinvention of the roofs, challenging traditional expectations. The decision to forego traditional clay tiles in favour of vertical steel slats with concealed glazing adhered to UNESCO charters and garnered support for an innovative, contemporary solution. The result is an aesthetically solid roof form that allows light into the roof space, demonstrating a balance between modern functionality and historical integrity. Bokšto Skveras is not merely a restoration project; it is a manifestation of vision, passion, and cultural sensitivity.

The development idea conceived nearly two decades ago has evolved into a benchmark for responding to heritage buildings and spaces. It represents a labour of love, creating an environment that is both rooted in its historical context and relevant to contemporary needs.

This ambitious project stands as a beacon of architectural excellence and a celebration of inclusive urban revitalisation.