GREEN HALL 2 Business Centre

About object:

It is becoming an ordinary practice in Lithuania to employ the help of foreign architects. The Green Hall 2 business centre was designed by the Lithuanian architecture studio Archinova in collaboration with the Danish company ARROW Architects. From the very beginning, the architects ran into plenty of challenges, which eventually determined the architectural image of the building. One such challenge was posed by the applicable detailed plan regulations, which specified different height restrictions in different parts of the lot. The issue of placing the building within the lot also had to be settled in a way that respected the requirements of the detailed plan while also aiming for Green Hall 1 to remain in operation, especially its underground parking lot. The architects also strived to reflect the contemporary architectural trends and showcase technological capabilities.
In its shape, Green Hall 2 is reminiscent of an irregular, stretched-out letter S. In accordance with the regulations of the detailed plan, the building is lower and narrower on the west side, which faces the old Žvėrynas district. Towards the river, the building becomes taller and wider – the broadest central part features an atrium, an open interior space and the main entrances. Finally, on the eastern side, closest to Green Hall 1, the building narrows down again. Both in plan and in volume, the architectural language of the building seems to echo the curve of the nearby river. This was a deliberate decision for this 8,000 m² building. A large volume like that had to be made smaller visually, partially dematerialising it. And because the detailed plan stipulates a certain height towards Žvėrynas district, the volume gradually rises towards the tower and follows the shape of a stretched-out letter S, which you cannot see from either side. The building partially covers itself.
The southern and northern elevations use a double glazed facade system. This ensures that it meets the acoustic requirements that apply to modern office buildings and also retains the heat circulating inside the building, cutting down on energy costs. Louvres allow to automatically adjust how much sunlight and warmth goes into the interior spaces. Leaning pilasters also protect against the sun, while at the same time accentuating the dynamic character of the building.
Looking from Žvėrynas side, the lower facade organically morphs into the roof. The eastern facade that faces the city leans slightly forward, finished in mirror panels. On one hand, it allows the people inside to enjoy the views of the city and the old town, and on the other hand, the mirror plane reflects the city, and especially on windy days, when there are ripples in the river, the whole facade also seems to quiver. In order to enhance this effect at closer viewpoints, the architects designed a small pool of water under the leaning plane of the facade.
The common interior spaces are also quite unique. White dominates along with natural materials such as stone and wood. The main space of the building is an atrium spanning three levels. It features staircases and balconies, arranged in various directions, accentuating the dynamic image of the building, while the furniture and other interior components are designed to remind us of the sculptural exterior of the building.
In its architectural expression, this is definitely one of the most unique buildings in Vilnius in recent years. At the same time, it is a new kind of work space that meets especially high standards. We also hope that the green area around the building will become another attraction for the local citizens.

Greta Trapikienė