In April, Vilnius District Municipality is exhibiting the works of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) Landscape Architecture students – projects for the town of Nemenčinė "Nemenčinė Cultural Landscape: the vision of the banks of the Neris and the Nemenčia Rivers".
The projects of the Landscape Architecture students aim to reveal the beauty of the Neris and Nemenčia rivers and to open access to them for the people living there. On this occasion, we talk to one of the participants of the exhibition, third-year student Edgaras Stuopelis, about the Nemenčinė, Landscape Architecture and his studies.
– What did you notice unique in the landscape during your project in Nemenčinė?
– Most of us know that Nemenčinė is nearby the Lake Gela, which attracts a lot of attention from Vilnius residents, especially in summer. But the hidden and undiscovered beauty of Nemenčinė also lies in the very heart of the town.
When crossing the historic old Nemenčinė Bridge, few people think that they are crossing the second largest river in Lithuania, the Neris, which has very unique embankments. In Nemenčinė, next to the houses of the inhabitants, the Nemenčia also flows, with its distinct relief lines and valleys that seem to be waiting to be discovered. And the confluence of these rivers is like a critical point in the green system of the town of Nemenčinė, which I tried to solve in my project. The banks of these rivers could become the new unique face of Nemenčinė, which could attract visitors not only from the Vilnius district, but also from all over Lithuania.
– And how did you discover Landscape Architecture?
– It probably all started with building LEGO as a child – I dreamt of becoming an architect from a very young age. I was able to draw from an early age. And my parents and I, knowing that I wanted to be an architect when I grew up, suggested that I attend the Mykolas Oginskis Art School.
As I got older, I stuck to my goal and didn't take much interest in the choice of profession. Before the admissions, I noticed that there was a new study programme in Landscape Architecture, which I had never heard of before. I really liked it, so I started to wonder what I would like to apply for more, and finally, as fate would have it, I joined Landscape Architecture.
– Did your approach to Landscape Architecture change during your studies?
– When I joined, I quickly realised that it wasn't just about designing streets and squares. Landscape Architecture also encompasses broad regional, national and global issues related to nature and its use. I did not know that even the simplest design has to take into account safety, accessibility, sustainability and other very important issues and aspects.
– What are your current and future plans?
– I am currently doing an internship at "ID Vilnius", where it is exciting to start applying the knowledge and skills I have acquired. For my final project, I chose to design the banks of the Babrungas River and the green spaces alongside it, in my hometown of Plungė. I will solve similar problems as in Nemenčinė, taking into account the nearby Oginski Manor Park, which is of great cultural value.
I have no precise plans for the future. I will probably continue my studies in the Master's programme. Of course, I would like to see some of my future projects implemented in my hometown of Plungė.
Photo: fragments of project of Edgaras Stuopelis.
