A significant transformation is coming to the Žvėrynas district of Vilnius, as the city municipality has officially issued a construction permit for the total reconstruction of the Duke Gediminas Pro-gymnasium primary school branch on Blindžių Street. The project represents a massive scale-up of educational infrastructure, turning a dated 60-year-old structure into a high-tech learning hub that will triple its current floor area.
A Strategic Expansion of Educational Infrastructure
The most striking aspect of the project is the sheer increase in physical capacity. The current facility, which spans approximately 1,700 square meters, will be expanded to over 5,800 square meters. This growth is not merely about floor space; it is a response to the increasing demand for primary education places in one of the capital’s most prestigious residential neighborhoods.
| Project Metric | Current Status | Post-Reconstruction |
|---|---|---|
| Total Floor Area | 1,700 sq m | 5,800+ sq m |
| Student Capacity | 235 students | 384 students |
| Energy Efficiency | Low/Standard | A++ Class |
| Classroom Count | Limited | 16 Modern Classrooms |
| Completion Goal | N/A | 2028 |
Vilnius City Municipality’s development arm, the Vilnius Development Company, is set to launch the public procurement process for a contractor this May. The expansion will see the school transition from a single aging block into five interconnected buildings designed to blend into the unique urban and natural landscape of the Žvėrynas area.
Technological Integration and Sustainable Design
Beyond the increase in size, the reconstruction focuses heavily on modern pedagogical requirements. The third floor of the new complex will be dedicated to technological and creative education, featuring specialized “FabLab” and “ArtLab” workshops alongside dedicated art and technology rooms. This move aligns the school with global trends in STEM and creative learning, providing students with tools that were previously unavailable in the older facility.
Sustainability is also a core pillar of the design. The building is engineered to meet the A++ energy performance class, the highest standard currently required for new public buildings in the region. To achieve this, a solar collector system will be installed on the roof, allowing the school to generate a portion of its own electricity. Furthermore, the entire site is being redesigned for universal accessibility, incorporating elevators, lifts, and tactile surfaces for the visually impaired.
Neighborhood Impact and Environmental Preservation
Žvėrynas is known for its green spaces and historic wooden architecture, making any large-scale development a sensitive issue for local residents. To address this, architects from the firm “Atamis” have designed the building to be “child-friendly” rather than dominant, using wood elements in the facade to harmonize with the surroundings.
Approximately 40% of the plot—roughly 4,800 square meters—will be reserved for greenery, including lawns, shrubs, and flower beds. While the footprint of the new buildings necessitates the removal of 10 existing trees, the municipality has committed to replanting an equal number of trees upon completion. The remaining outdoor territory will feature outdoor classrooms, sports courts, and play areas designed to facilitate natural learning.
In a nod to the current geopolitical climate in the Baltic region, the project also includes modern safety features. The underground portion of the building will house a modern civil defense shelter, and the entire perimeter will be secured with advanced video surveillance and access control systems.
Project Timeline and Temporary Relocation
Construction is slated to begin later this year, with an expected completion date in 2028. For parents and residents, the most immediate practical change involves the relocation of current students. During the multi-year construction phase, pupils from the Blindžių branch will be temporarily moved to the school’s other branch located on Žvejų Street.
The project also includes a significant upgrade to local public infrastructure. A section of Blindžių Street, from Birutės to Latgalių Street, will be renovated with new sidewalks and updated water supply networks. Additionally, 21 new parking spaces will be created to manage the traffic flow during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Source: Vilniaus miesto savivaldybė
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