Waterfront and public spaces of the Nemunaičiai district in Kaunas

The left bank of the Nemunas River in Kaunas is changing rapidly. A new mixed-use district is growing in Žemoji Freda, featuring a concert hall, a pedestrian bridge, residential blocks, and spaces for commerce, offices, and services.

We are glad to contribute to these changes. PUPA is designing the public spaces for the new district – the Nemunas waterfront promenade, the main square, terraces, and steps down to the water. In 2025, we won architectural competition for the public spaces and are currently preparing the detailed design projects.

Various public spaces are being formed in Nemunaičiai. On the waterfront promenade, a wide path is dedicated to walking along the Nemunas River and enjoying views of the opposite bank, while green islands create cozy, intimate spaces for recreation and play.

The square by the preserved historical tower is dedicated to cafes, events, and community gatherings. The square and the promenade connect at the amphitheater-style steps leading down to the Nemunas River.

All these spaces are interconnected by greenery, flowing rainwater channels, access steps, and green islands. The cozy inner streets and the community square also stand out with their green character. Abundant green spaces and innovative rainwater management are the defining features of the identity of Nemunaičiai's public spaces.

Client: SBA Urban
Location: Kaunas
Site area: 19 200 sq.m.
Award: first prize in an international competition
Project status: 2025 – competition won; 2026 – preparation of detailed design projects for public spaces
Team: Tadas Jonauskis, Justina Muliuolytė, Gytis Aglinskas,  Laura Norkūnaitė, Ramunė Baniulienė, Artūras Čertovas, Evelina Bartusevičiūtė
Renders: Visual Phenomena Studies