Lithuania National Martynas Mažvydas Library Conference room

In 2008, Lithuana National Martynas Mažvydas Library has started the reconstruction of the main building, which was completed in 2016.

The reconstruction was carried out with the funds of the State Investment Program and partially financed with the funds of the European Union Cohesion Fund, as well as the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania. The total value of the reconstruction of the main building of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania was 25 million euros.

During the reconstruction, a modern conference hall has been installed here, where events and presentations will be taking place. Sound recording studio, TV studio, rehearsal rooms and a 24-seat cinema hall have also been constructed in the library.

The Conference Hall of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania is a universal space. The main function is of course a conference hall, but the room has the possibility to turn into a small concert hall, exhibition room or a space of similar purpose. The telescopic grandstand installed in the hall ensures the versatility of the space. Desired acoustic characteristics of the room are a space that is not muted, adapted to speech messages with architectural acoustics that direct and amplify sound. .

In order to adapt to the general concept of the building interior, “hidden acoustics” have been chosen with minimalist visual solutions.

The forms required for the proper structure of sound reflections and the diversion of sound from the stage to the spectators are simplified, in a clear architectural manner. Specific forms for acoustic solutions were necessary not only on the wall, but also in the ceiling area, the guiding planes of the walls and ceiling are merged and form an asymmetrical, but static visual effect – a half shell.

In order to blend into the visual context of the building, not only the geometry, but also the materiality has been chosen as a non-standard acoustic resonant structure, which is “masked” by a special acoustic plaster. In this way, perforated gypsum boards are visually hidden. In order to ensure the integrity of the material, not only perforated but also smooth drywall panels were covered with acoustic plaster. The result is a solid acoustic shell in both geometric and material textures.

In order to give the space more versatility, additional controlled acoustic curtains have been specially adapted to the space provided in the window areas. The latter perform a double function – if necessary, the room can be dimmed during events and the duration of reverberation in the room can be changed by drawing 30/60/100 percent of the curtain area.

Purpose: cultural and educational objects

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania

Materials used:
Resonant panels
Acoustically transparent materials
Acoustic draperies
Soundproof doors
Adaptive acoustics

Photographs: Lithuania National Martynas Mažvydas Library Conference Hall. © Audrius Priveda