KILD win River Nemunas bridge competition

The governing authorities of Lithuania’s second largest city, Kaunas, have run several high-profile architectural competitions in recent years, including contests for a new world-class concert hall and a 33 ha Science Island. Now, Lithuanian-based firm, KILD has been announced as winner of an international contest for a major new route over the River Nemunas.

Organised by the Kaunas Architectural and Urban Renewal Council, the competition sought innovative proposals for a pedestrian and cycle path connecting the city centre and Science Island with the industrial south bank of the river, where the concert hall is due to be constructed. 

The project aims to create an environmentally friendly link between two areas currently only connected by congested vehicle traffic routes. KILD responded to the brief with a concept that has a minimal impact on the city skyline, while forming panoramic public spaces near the riverbanks. On the south side, the Nemunas bridge embankment joins a proposed plaza, accessible from H.O.Minkovskių Street. A steel truss arch structure defines the character of the 320 m bridge, with an appearance of lightness to blend in with the surroundings. At the northern end, a path completes the connection between the new bridges and existing routes. 

The second bridge, with a length of 57 m, has a minimal footprint on the natural banks of Nemunas Island. It expands towards the city centre, where it joins Karalius Mindaugas Avenue to create a wide, spacious entrance, complete with bus stops and an underground passageway. 

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

This competition was first published by TenderStream here

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