RED
art gallery
2022/2023
author - Povilas Šimonėlis
supervisors - Vytenis Gerliakas, Marius Pranas Šaliamoras
Main idea of this work could be described as interpretation of Vilnius` medieval character.
The art gallery was located in the outskirts of Vilnius old town, just behind the medieval city wall. While analyzing Vilnius` old town (and many other medieval cities), one can notice absence of “grand” plan, composition or master vision. This democracy of volumes and shapes was main inspiration for the project. Same idea was the basis for facade solution - it was interpretation of, one might say, dead ornament tradition and reaction to its lack in modernity.
This project was part of 3th year (second semester) of integrated architecture master studies.
First work I was somewhat happy about. Many ideas that I tested here for the first time, were continued developing in the later projects.
Project Description: "Raudonoji Galerija" (The Red Gallery) - Medieval Urban Interpretation
Project Overview
"Red" is an art gallery project developed during the third year (second semester) of integrated Master's studies in architecture. Situated on the outskirts of Vilnius Old Town, adjacent to the medieval city wall, the project investigates the urban and architectural character of historical urban fabric through contemporary interpretation.
Conceptual Framework
The design approach emerged from studying Vilnius' medieval urban patterns and their absence of grand compositional plans or master visions. The project explores the democratic organization of volumes and shapes characteristic of organic medieval urban growth, rejecting predetermined formal hierarchies in favor of emergent spatial relationships.
The architectural concept addresses two primary investigations:
-
The translation of medieval urban randomness and scale relationships into a contemporary architectural composition
-
The reinterpretation of ornamental traditions in modern architectural expression, responding to the perceived absence of ornament in contemporary design
Architectural Response
The gallery complex comprises exhibition spaces, event areas, artist studios, and commercial facilities organized around a central courtyard. The massing strategy deliberately avoids hierarchical composition, instead employing a cluster of varied volumes that echo the irregular urban fabric of the surrounding medieval context.
The facade treatment represents a conceptual exploration of ornamentation, developing a contemporary language that acknowledges historical traditions while remaining authentically modern. The material palette and detailing continue this dialogue between historical reference and contemporary expression.
Spatial Organization
The project maintains the human scale and intimate spatial relationships found in medieval urban environments while providing modern gallery infrastructure. Circulation patterns and spatial sequences create varied experiences that range from enclosed, intimate areas to more expansive exhibition halls.
Conclusion
"Red" offers a thoughtful response to its historical context through modern architectural language. The project successfully translates the democratic urban qualities of medieval Vilnius into a contemporary cultural facility while maintaining academic rigor in its conceptual development and architectural resolution.
