BOOK. Algis Vyšniūnas

Architectural and Urbanistic Ideas in Šiauliai. Transformations of the historical town
Author: Algis Vyšniūnas

This is a book about ideas, which break through oblivion, barriers of incompetence, scepticism and neglect by colleagues. This book is not a catalogue of the works of Šiauliai architects, nor is it a report on the activities of the Šiauliai branch of LAS. This is the idea of a group of people who felt the need to capture certain important things, that happened decades ago. It is important to tell about architectural projects of high artistic level and systemic ideas that were not realized for certain reasons. Ideas, visions and concepts often dissolve in statistics and facts. It remains unclear – who created the main idea of the city, who decided that the city would develop in this way and not the other. During the Soviet period the notions of Šiauliai city historical centre and the Old Town became distorted. Furthermore, the necessity of the Old Town is openly questioned. The book has the answer why this is so. This is not about design business, but about the major architectural and urban ideas that influenced the urban development of the town. An example of such an idea could be the idea of revitalization of the Old Town of Šiauliai. Šiauliai must turn into a normal historical town from an “old town without an Old Town”. The book not only describes architectural and urban ideas, but even proposes some new ones. One idea was to erect a monument to architect Albertas Ratnikas next to the house he lived in. Residents of Šiauliai should pay homage to the memory of this great architect who essentially created the current spatial structure of Vilnius Street. Another idea is related to the “Sundial” square, where it is proposed to place bronze plaques on the pedestal of the column for commemoration of the Independence Act of 16 February 1918, the Declaration of Partisan Commanders of 16 February 1949, and the Independence Restoration Act of 11 March 1990. The monument erected in the Soviet era would acquire specific content, because now, in semantic terms, it seems to be standing between two epochs – the controversial LSSR and the revival of Independent Lithuania. This is a book inviting for discussion. The author’s position is very clear, and there is often an assessment of one or another situation. You don’t have to like this book, because it’s not easy reading. A peculiar attitude, a critical but reasoned opinion, is a benefit. It is always possible to do things differently, to stress other issues, to choose illustrations, but the essence does not change. 

PRESENTATION

November 19, 18:00

Vilniaus Str. 22, Loft of Kaunas branch of Lithuanian Architects’ Union