Military Research Laboratory for the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense
(Survived
, k.k.v.r.
1150
)
<p style="text-align: justify;">A need to build the Military Research Laboratory for the Ministry of National Defence arose in the early 1930s, after the participants of the National Weaponry Conference had established that Lithuania was in danger of potential attacks. The main purpose of the new laboratory was to embark on scientific research in the fields of explosive weapons, ballistics, biochemistry, microbiology, toxicology and etc. The winning project in the design competition was submitted by architect Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis. His design was heavily influenced by the contemporary Modernist theory, and by the famous Louis Sullivan’s motto: ‘form follows function’. Due to the application of particularly high-quality building materials, and the importance of the laboratory’s work for the national security, the original structure survives intact. Up to now the laboratory’s building fascinates the architecture lovers by its exceptionally fine combination of functionality and ‘clean’ Modernist aesthetics. Although the flat roof, strip-like windows, white plain façade, and the reinforced concrete construction are archetypal traits of the International Style, the laboratory’s design also has some distinctively Lithuanian characteristics. Modernism is combined here with some Neo-classicist tendencies, which are reflected in the symmetrical massing of the structure, monumental aesthetics, and in the visual emphasis on grand central entrance to the building.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Kristina Rimkutė</em></p>
Adresas: Kauno m. sav., Kauno m., Radvilėnų pl. 19
Architektūros tipas: Professional
Architektai: Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis
Metai: 1933
Laikotarpis: Interwar
Architektūros šakos: Architecture, Separate building, Military
Medžiagos: Masonry (brick), Ferroconcrete
Nuotraukos: 39
Susiję objektai
Kaunas County Municipality Palace
Kaunas County Municipality Palace
1932 - 1934
Vatican Diplomatic Mission (Nunciature) in Kaunas
Vatican Diplomatic Mission (Nunciature) in Kaunas
1930 - 1931
Residential House of Artist A. Žmuidzinavičius
Residential House of Artist A. Žmuidzinavičius
1928
J. Papečkys Residential House in Kaunas
J. Papečkys Residential House in Kaunas
1937
Health Insurance Fund
Health Insurance Fund
1933 - 1935
Palace of Physical Education
Palace of Physical Education
1932 - 1934
Palace of Klaipeda Pedagogic Institute’s Sports and Gymnastics
Palace of Klaipeda Pedagogic Institute’s Sports and Gymnastics
1937 - 1938
The headquarter of milk processing company "Pienocentras"
The headquarter of milk processing company "Pienocentras"
1931 - 1934
Commerce, Industry and Crafts palace
Commerce, Industry and Crafts palace
1937 - 1939
A garage of Amerikos lietuvių prekybos akcinė bendrovė company
A garage of Amerikos lietuvių prekybos akcinė bendrovė company
1929 - 1932
Kaunas German Upper Exact Sciences Gymnasium (now A. Puškinas Gymnasium)
Kaunas German Upper Exact Sciences Gymnasium (now A. Puškinas Gymnasium)
1923 - 1930
Sanatorium “Tulpė” of Kaišiadorys Diocese Priests
Sanatorium “Tulpė” of Kaišiadorys Diocese Priests
1937
State stadium in Kaunas
State stadium in Kaunas
1935 - 1936
Doors of Vatican embassy
Doors of Vatican embassy
1930 - 1931
House of Dumbriai in Ukmergė
House of Dumbriai in Ukmergė
1933
Gymnasium in Biržai
Gymnasium in Biržai
1931
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A need to build the Military Research Laboratory for the Ministry of National Defence arose in the early 1930s, after the participants of the National Weaponry Conference had established that Lithuania was in danger of potential attacks. The main purpose of the new laboratory was to embark on scientific research in the fields of explosive weapons, ballistics, biochemistry, microbiology, toxicology and etc. The winning project in the design competition was submitted by architect Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis. His design was heavily influenced by the contemporary Modernist theory, and by the famous Louis Sullivan’s motto: ‘form follows function’. Due to the application of particularly high-quality building materials, and the importance of the laboratory’s work for the national security, the original structure survives intact. Up to now the laboratory’s building fascinates the architecture lovers by its exceptionally fine combination of functionality and ‘clean’ Modernist aesthetics. Although the flat roof, strip-like windows, white plain façade, and the reinforced concrete construction are archetypal traits of the International Style, the laboratory’s design also has some distinctively Lithuanian characteristics. Modernism is combined here with some Neo-classicist tendencies, which are reflected in the symmetrical massing of the structure, monumental aesthetics, and in the visual emphasis on grand central entrance to the building.


Kristina Rimkutė