We live by what we see until we stop and ask. Propaganda is not just about the media. It uses all possible means to keep a person in the “programmatic” field for as long as possible including architecture. It aims to form a person who is easy to break and to control. It is in these places that we record the spatial scenarios in which we live, which powerfully regulate and influence us in daily life. In this simple yet revolutionary interior project our aim is to question what was programmed in soviet era and what needs to be changed.
In Soviet times architecture was one of the ways to demoralize democratic values system and program a certain way of life. Understanding this spatial power is especially important to understanding what values you are guided by and what influences it. Because the formal, separating, controlling Soviet housing interior spaces are in absolute contrast to the natural way of life, which would correspond to the Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Belarusian or any human spirit.
| Location | Lithuania, Vilnius |
| Typology | Flat |
| Floor area | 65 m2 |
| Year (transformation) | ? (2020) |
| Architects | DO ARCHITECTS |
| Transformation strategy | Tranformation |
We considered this project as an example and after carefully and practically rethinking the layout of the apartment, we radically changed the spatial-life scenario of Ginte and Balys without major construction challenges. The small kitchenette became a huge bathroom with natural light. The bathroom now is A ROOM, not just utility or sanitary UNIT. You are relaxing in this space and your mind is more at peace. You feel dignified when entering such a space. A common living room space was born: connecting people and their different hobbies – with bookshelves, a kitchenette for cooking and sharing meals by the table. Now it is a space for relaxation as well as a connecting conversation.
The aim of the project was to eliminate dictatorship regime principles, show the possibilities of renewal and inspire others to take charge of their environment. Loneliness and dehumanization was programmed earlier in these housing spaces, but it is up to each one of us to decided whose rules do we live by now and in future.
TRANSFORMATION
The spaces are monofuncional, no common gathering spaces are planned in the flat. There is less interaction between residents as well as less possibilities for konwledge, information and emotions exchange.
Joint kitchen and living room serves as a space for sharing and discussing, therefore, the space becomes a medium to connect people and their hobbies such cooking, reading, having conversations and meals together.
Maze of corridors with opaque partitions and solid doors, works the same as a street with a house and no windows. There is less possibility to feel others being at home, therefore, the connection among residents is lower.
The corridor space was unified and merged with different functions. The number of doors (separation) inside the flat was lowered (from 7 to 3). The spacious, comfortable and light spaces promote more positive atmosphere at home.
Bathroom is planned as a small and dark space without natural light.
Bathroom is considered as a separate room with a natural ventilation (window) and direct sunlight, therefore, the quality of daily life is raised.
The rooms are painted in various colours or covered with wallpaper, which causes the chaos in one’s minds.
The walls were painted white, natural plants were integrated into the interior, therefore the quality of daily life is raised.
Project text provided by the project authors
Pictures by Lukas Jusas