D9 Artsy Office
D9 Artsy Office, a building that exudes history, was built in 1890s. It was an era defined by Lithuania’s modern secessionist period, and the original design bore the signature of architect V. Polozov. A single-story residential house with its brick walls, plastered facade, and a tiled roof.
Over time, the building underwent metamorphosis. In 1912, the second floor was added, marking the moment when the renowned gynecologist Andrius Domaševičius established the gynecology clinic called Health within its walls. Simultaneously, Domaševičius made the building his home, leaving an indelible mark that would eventually lead to a street being named in his honor.
From 1920 to 1927, Dr. Jonas Basanavičius, a prominent figure in the Lithuanian independence movement and the first editor of the Lithuanian newspaper “Aušra” found his residence within these historic walls.
Yet, the winds of change blew during the turmoil of World War II, and in 1940, the house was nationalized, serving as a court of law. It wasn’t until 1994 that it was reclaimed by its rightful owners.
In 1994, following Lithuania’s regained independence from the Soviet Union, the building began a new phase. It came alive as an information technology company made it their home, inhabiting a striking trapezoidal extension designed by architect Leonardas Vaitys. But the most recent chapter of its life began in 2023 when D9 acquired the building. This is where IMPLMNT architects embarked on a project to create a space where the past and the present would coexist.
The building’s historical and architectural value was officially recognized in 1996 when it joined the Register of Cultural Valuables of the Republic of Lithuania. What truly sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to preserving authentic elements. The facade, with its early 20th-century design, remains virtually untouched. Inside, meticulously preserved polychrome paintings adorn the ceilings and walls, alongside ornate moldings, finely crafted doors, window frames, and remnants of oak parquet.
Adding to the building’s charm is its innovative spatial design. The central glazed roof in the atrium of the new annex creates a remarkable sense of space, making it an essential feature in the building’s visual narrative.
The D9 Artsy Office is a fusion of art and office space. Its name itself captures the essence of this creative marriage. It’s not just an art collection of contemporary works; it’s a commitment to preserving the historical and architectural integrity of the building.
The interior concept divides itself into two parts. In the old section of the building, where layers of historical polychrome painting and plasterwork have been unearthed, the soul of a museum resides. The glazed atrium in the new part of the building transforms the space, giving it the aura of a dramatic gallery.
The artwork has become an important part of the project, and contextually expands the history of the building, creating new narratives. The Noewe Foundation boasts a collection of over 1500 works, and more than 170 of these are exhibited in the Office space. These are works by famous international artists, encompassing paintings, photographs, installations, and sculptures. The exposition contains the works of world-famous artists such as Cindy Sherman, Andres Serrano, Teresa Margolles, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Katya Novitskova and many more.
The architects of the project were Aurimas Syrusas and Greta Brimė from the architects’ studio IMPLMNT architects. The studio was founded in 2016. It is based in Vilnius, but its architectural design work also reaches beyond Lithuania. IMPLMNT architects mainly work on public buildings, interior and exhibition projects. The firm has successfully participated in architectural competitions, and engages in cooperation within the framework of artistic projects. The more significant projects by the studio include the Stasys Eidrigevičius Arts Centre in Panevėžys, the Athletics Stadium in Vilnius, the Keistuoliai Theatre Reconstruction in Vilnius, and the Lithuanian National Pavilion at the Leipzig Book Fair.
Photos: Darius Petrulaitis
