Klaipeda Riverside development is situated right next to the Klaipeda Old Town and Dane river front. Scheme comprises of six mixed-use blocks, designed by four architecture practices (Fragment, UP architektai, A405, Unitectus) to maximize variety of architectural forms and creative language as well as to resemble organic development of the city.
Urban planning of the site references historical subdivision of the land plot into industrial and residential uses. Division boundary is turned into a carefully landscaped linear park that preserves existing mature trees and frames Old Town panorama views with new buildings. Recreation spaces, playgrounds and pocket parks in adjacent streets are designed to enhance social interactions between future residents. Restaurants, bars, small offices, and retail units occupy ground floors to create lively mix of different users in both buildings and surrounding public spaces.
Urban, but modest architectural language of mostly residential scheme and height of four to six storeys ensures calm and pleasant proportions and blends well into neighbouring city center area. Buildings facing Dane river (former industrial site) resemble warehouses, located in other parts of this port city to create contextual architectural look of the project and a continuous riverfront experience for city dwellers. Selection of material palette take cues from historical buildings of Klaipeda – red bricks warehouses and civic buildings, and grayscale fachwerk structures – to create playful, but consistent overall look of the development.
Landscape design varies according to different types of urban spaces – major streets, side streets, park, embankment – each with its distinct character and sense of place. Selection of native plants changes through the seasons to shape dynamic experience of streets, courtyards, resting and activity areas. Vast network of bicycle paths, electric car charging stations, rainwater harvesting solutions, extensive use of recycled materials are among many other sustainability aspects of this development that minimize environmental impact.
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