Schmidt Hammer Lassen to Transform Former Industrial Area into Vibrant Urban District

We are happy to share that we have won an international architectural competition to transform a former industrial site into a new mixed-use urban district in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city. The project will reconnect the city with the Nemunas River and reimagine a previously disconnected area as a vibrant, inclusive destination.

Located on the southern bank of the river—opposite Kaunas’ historic, UNESCO-listed city centre—the new district, Nemunaičiai, will gradually take shape by 2031. A dynamic blend of office spaces, housing, and retail will establish a contemporary urban hub where architecture and landscape intertwine.

Set within a former industrial landscape, Nemunaičiai draws inspiration from the site’s history, topography, and proximity to the water. The river plays a central role in shaping a new urban identity, creating visual and spatial connections to the historic city centre on the opposite bank.

“We aim to create a vibrant, human-centred neighbourhood where architecture supports community life and well-being. The project reinterprets Kaunas’ history in a contemporary context, building on the area’s existing qualities and untapped potential,” says Rene Nedergaard, Partner at Schmidt Hammer Lassen.

The masterplan preserves key historical structures, including a former water tower and customs house, and strengthens connections across different layers of urban, industrial, and natural heritage. Publicly accessible pathways and urban spaces will provide new sightlines and movement corridors, linking the district with the scenic Aleksotas neighbourhood to the south.

The project is being developed in collaboration with local firm A. Kančo Architects, combining SHL’s international expertise with deep local knowledge to ensure sustainable, context-sensitive urban development.

Visuals: Yanis Amasri, SHL