Studio Libeskind reveals Vilnius’ wintersports ambition
The city of Vilnius in Lithuania is stepping up its push into the European ski market with the announcement it will build a new cultural/sports venue – the Vilnius Beacon – with design by Studio Libeskind. This is the first ski resort by the practice.
The development is backed by the City of Vilnius, the State Trade Co and Start Vilnius Co, which took over responsibility for the location – the Liepkalnis Ski Hill area – in 2012, with plans to upgrade it. Studio Libeskind founder and principal, Daniel Libeskind, said: “The Beacon will become an epicentre of entertainment, leisure and culture for the city.”
The area is already a tourist hotspot and the Beacon will add a new space for winter and summer sports, creating a multi-purpose destination offering a combined programme of recreation, sport, culture and entertainment.
Design features include a central plaza for events, with a surrounding undercover pathway, retail and public amenities, as well as two restaurants, one offering fine dining on the third floor with panoramic views of the city and the other more casual, bistro-style.
The ground floor will be a flexible year-round event space. Completion is expected by 2016. @daniellibeskind