ZHA has signed the agreement with the municipality of Vilnius, Lithuania to develop the studio’s competition-winning design upgrading the city’s public transport bus terminal and the civic spaces of Station Square that define the approach to the railway station.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas said: “As the approaches to the railway station are outdated and no longer serve the city’s residents and tourists, we are creating a modern, compact, multifunctional civic centre next to the country's main mobility hub."

Vilnius Chief Architect Laura Kairienė explained: "The current square is more often an obstacle than a convenient connection of various modes of transport. This project will create a new public transport terminal that will comfortably serve those travelling on urban, intercity and international routes under one roof, in addition to the upgraded public spaces surrounding the railway station.”

ZHA’s design incorporates new public gardens, courtyards and architecture that integrates with the historical context of the city between Naujininkai, the Old Town and also Vilnius’ New Town, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers and all residents of Vilnius.

The public transport terminal will be located on the western side of Station Square. The terminal is designed as a landscape with an outdoor amphitheatre as a public gathering place and venue for cultural performances in the park. Beneath this landscape, the intercity bus terminal will comfortably serve 1,400 passengers at the same time.

ZHA Director Ludovico Lombardi said: “It is an honour to be delivering an important new transport hub for Vilnius. Designed to create an intuitive passenger journey, the new bus terminal is accessible to all and connected to the growing network of cycle routes that offer the most sustainable modes of transport throughout the city. Embedded within new gardens and courtyards in Station Square, the design includes an outdoor amphitheatre and ramp leading to a public terrace on its roof; creating a 21st century transport hub for the city with civic spaces of the highest quality for local residents.”

Vilnius Development Company CEO Laura Joffė said: "This is one of the city’s most ambitious projects to enhance our public spaces.” Vilnius Connect phase one incorporating the new bus transport terminal is being implemented by Vilnius City Municipality together with Vilnius Development Company and LTG Group (Lithuanian Railways). Following the implementation of this first stage, ZHA is working with LTG Group regarding the development of the second phase which includes the renovation of the city’s railway station.