Senvagė Park / PUPA Life Over Space

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Landscape Architecture, Park, Renovation•Lithuania

Architects: PUPA Life Over Space
Year: 2022
Photographs: Aistė Rakauskaitė
Lead Architects: Tadas Jonauskis, Justina Muliuolytė, Ignas Račkauskas, Lukas Kulikauskas, Augustas Makrickas, Ramunė Baniulienė, Linas Ūsas

Text description provided by the architects. Senvagė Park, situated in the historic center of Panevėžys, Lithuania, underwent a significant renovation in 2022, establishing it as a prominent city landmark. The red brick loop path encircling the pond has become a favored location for leisurely walks, while new piers, bridges, and wooden terraces enhance visitor engagement with the water. A small island within the park serves as a tranquil spot for gatherings and sunbathing.

Senvagė Park / PUPA Life Over Space - Image 19 of 19 — Plan

The renovation of Senvagė Park was essential in redefining the image of Panevėžys. Previously characterized by its industrial background and issues with crime, the city has transformed into an attractive living space, enriched by vibrant public areas and cultural activities. The revitalization process began with enhancing public spaces in the historical center. Although Senvagė was always a picturesque location, years of neglect had resulted in crumbling infrastructure and limited appeal, compounded by accessibility issues due to elevation changes and numerous stairs.

The new design for Senvagė Park aimed to achieve several objectives: establish a new city identity, enhance accessibility, connect people with the water, and foster community engagement. The primary aim was to create a new city landmark, a “postcard” destination that would encourage residents to view their city from a fresh perspective. The red brick loop path, linking various points of interest and small spaces, has quickly become a recognizable feature for leisurely strolls. Prioritizing accessibility was also essential, as previous height differences and stairs made the park challenging to navigate, especially for those with mobility issues. Newly designed pathways, ramps, bridges, and cycling routes now connect neighborhoods, viewpoints, and public buildings, greatly improving accessibility.

Another key objective was to facilitate closer interaction with the water. The addition of piers, bridges, and terraces encourages engagement with the lake, while the island offers a serene area for relaxation and sunbathing. Most importantly, Senvagė Park has become a community hub, featuring playgrounds, a sports area, cafe terraces, and spaces for markets and festivals. Known for its sporting events, particularly swimming and triathlons, many of which occur in the park, local triathletes even contributed to the design, providing feedback on pier sizes and distances to ensure suitability for competitions.

With its straightforward design, enhanced pathways, natural materials, and increased greenery, Senvagė has become a beloved spot for residents. It now serves as a center for festivals, daily gatherings, and walks, while also drawing in tourists. This increase in activity has led to a rise in cafes, events, and overall livability. Senvagė Park is truly the heart of Panevėžys. In 2024, the project was recognized among the top five architectural works in Lithuania at the biennial exhibition “Introspection.”