Vilnius City Municipality is planning the construction of a new school in the rapidly developing Tarandė district. The project, spearheaded by the capital’s public interest object development and management company, Vilniaus vystymo kompanija, has launched an architectural design competition. Architecture firms and independent architects are invited to submit their ideas for a modern school that meets high architectural quality and sustainability standards.
The competition boasts a prize fund of 30,000 euros, to be distributed among the top three architectural visions. The winner will receive a 15,000 euro prize and a contract for design services. Submissions are due by December 15, 2026.
„The planned school will significantly contribute to solving the shortage of educational institutions in the Pašilaičiai eldership, where young families are rapidly increasing. It will accommodate primary and secondary education classes, with an expected student population of around 600-800. The architectural competition will allow us to select the best design solution and ensure high architectural quality,” stated Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
Prior to the competition, resident opinions were gathered through creative workshops, focusing on infrastructure and school access. Suggestions included traffic flow solutions, roundabouts, traffic restrictions, and pedestrian zones. These proposals have been considered in the competition’s terms.
„The Tarandė community’s activeness and idea generation are inspiring. Last spring, we discussed together what the new school between Bendoriai and Benykštaičių streets should look like. Now, it’s becoming a reality, and we will be looking for the best architectural idea that meets residents’ needs and quality standards. I am pleased that in addition to the three schools currently under construction, we are successfully moving forward with projects for other new educational institutions and the reconstruction of existing ones,” said Vilnius Vice Mayor Vytautas Mitalas.
Jonas Stravinskas, head of the Design and Construction Management Department at Vilniaus vystymo kompanija, explained that the competition aims to select the best architectural expression that aligns with urban, functional, and aesthetic aspects. A commission of architects and other experts will evaluate the submissions.
„A modern school is much more than an educational space. It must be functional, convenient for the daily educational process, and adaptable to the needs of different students and educators. Through this competition, we aim to select an architectural idea that offers quality spatial solutions, harmoniously integrates into the environment, and serves as a solid foundation for further school design,” Stravinskas added.
The winner is expected to be announced in February 2027. The second-place participants will receive a 9,000 euro prize, and the third-place participants will receive 6,000 euros.
Documents related to the architectural project competition for Tarandė Progymnasium can be found in the Central Public Procurement Information System.
