Lithuanian project "Nature Library" wins the New European Bauhaus Prize
The project "Nature Library" by the green infrastructure planning and design agency Bluma has emerged victorious in the New European Bauhaus Prize, specifically in the category "Regaining a sense of belonging." Bluma stands as the sole Lithuanian representative among the 15 prize winners in this competition.
The project's creators assert that this accolade serves as evidence that even modest art installations can effectively incorporate nature-based solutions into our urban spaces. Although the installation is yet to be realized, its overarching ambition is to actively engage the local community, encouraging them to participate in planting, reusing harvested water, and facilitating educational or other interactive activities.
"Nature Library" constitutes a green infrastructure and art installation nestled in the heart of Vilnius's Old Town. Conceived during a workshop dedicated to revitalizing the Augustine Monastery complex, this newly envisaged community space draws inspiration from the complex's botanical garden and the monastery's library.
The open structure, seamlessly integrated into the existing courtyard space, will collect rainwater from surrounding buildings, directing it into circular plant beds. These beds will feature plants native to the Vilnius region, serving an educational purpose and transforming the installation into a dynamic nature library that evolves with the seasons and weather conditions.
A portion of the collected rainwater will be utilized for irrigating tea and herbs cultivated by the local community. This process doubles as an initial water treatment, with subsequent redirection to additional filtration facilities for use in the church's institutional needs.
The developers of the "Nature Library" aspire to foster community engagement, encouraging diverse stakeholders to convene in a neutral environment for ongoing discussions about the complex's future.
The announcement of the winners took place on June 22 during an event in Brussels titled "A new European Bauhaus in regions and cities."