A 20-storey business centre, called ARTERY, is projected to be finished in the summer of 2023. The building’s architects Studio Libeskind hope it will become a new landmark and main business artery in Vilnius. It will blend harmoniously into the surrounding environment and connect the capital's central business district with the river Neris and the Old Town.
“Vilnius is an exceptional example of a town that evolved naturally, creating a townscape of diversity and harmony. The proposed design aims to create a modern architectural icon, which can transport the essence of Vilnius’s Old Town into the future. The building’s contemporary architecture will enrich the composition of the “urban hill” and reflect the city’s desire to welcome innovations of the 21st century whilst maintaining strong ties to the beauty of historic architecture,” says architect Libeskind, founder of Studio Libeskind.
The complex’s three underground floors are being completed at the moment. The construction work will move to the surface at the end of summer.
Connecting the leaders of today
Marius Žemaitis, the fund manager at Lords LB Asset Management, says that today the traditional concept of office as a workplace is changing radically, so ARTERY will offer an unconventional and innovative approach to the modern way of working.
"The coronavirus pandemic and cutting-edge technologies are transforming our work habits and offices. We used to think of the office as a place where we have to work long and hard. Today, after a year of lockdowns, we’ve started looking at the office as a space to create, improve, recharge and collaborate. The ARTERY business complex will combine exceptional architecture, prime location and top-class quality standards, creating a new office concept that has no equal in the Baltics,” says Žemaitis.
According to Žemaitis, the pandemic will be over by 2023, and executives will return to offices charged with new energy and ideas. The most advanced and boldest companies could become tenants at ARTERY.
"Our new business centre has already garnered significant interest. We are creating a Class A+ space for a wide profile and size organisations from 10 to 500 employees. The business centre will stand out with its energy and community spirit,” says M. Žemaitis.
Class A offices are in demand even during the pandemic
Sandra Jovaišaitė, a partner at the real estate company Colliers International, notes that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Class A office space remains in demand.
"Recent trends show that companies have been reducing office space and choosing slightly smaller, but better and higher quality premises. The office is gradually becoming the real face of the company. There the employees are hired, and ideas are generated, so businesses are looking for exceptional and inspiring spaces,” says S. Jovaišaitė.
All 20 storeys of the ARTERY building will have innovative heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems providing comfort and air quality. Panoramic windows will allow visitors to enjoy natural light and 360-degree views of the city. The building will be Class A+ in energy efficiency and aim to get the global BREEAM Excellent New Construction sustainability certificate.
The business centre will boast restaurants, cafes, retail and service spaces, as well as a 35-metre-high atrium open to the public 24 hours a day.
An underground passage will connect the business district with the centre of Vilnius. It will include bicycle storage, showers, changing rooms and one of the largest spaces for charging electric cars and scooters in Vilnius.
