Does Money Grow On Buildings?
For many of use in North America, the name Ra Studija might not be familiar. If you do not know who that is, do not worry – for many are clueless. You might find it interesting to know though that this studio is probably one of the greatest architect studios in Lithuania, maybe even the world.
Perhaps their greatest piece of work is the Office Center 1000, located in Kaunas, Lithuania. Unlike many of our square and to be honest plain buildings across North America, this Office Center 1000 is not only shaped in a curving and interesting manner, but it is actually shaped in a way to represent a 1000 banknote.
Its walls are comprised of glass, and lots of it. Over forty-five hundred pieces of glass actually. This glass was actually imported from Netherlands, and is made to cope with any weather Lithuania has. It was constructed with this glass in a very puzzling way – putting pieces of it together almost as if it were a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece has a different design of the banknote, and they all must be assembled in the correct manner in order for the design to show up perfectly. Needless to say, this took quite a bit of time to complete.
What is really interesting about Ra Studija’s building is the fact that it has a large abstract image of none other than a 1000 banknote. Combine this image with the shape of the building, and you don’t just have a building, but a monument and tourist attraction.
The image shines bright as a focal point within the city, and often changes color – from bright blue and white to red and orange colors. Of course, one common question we must determine whenever we look at this building is what is its purpose?
This is a ten-story office building, and although it serves as a tourist attraction, companies still work within its walls and get work done efficiently. Nevertheless, the building is a monument and attraction for many not only in Lithuania to see, but the world too.
Ra Studija has been around for a while, and their chief architect is Rimas Adomaitis. He is young, but loves architecture in general and is known for exploring with creative and curving designs. Ra Studija has many modern buildings located throughout Lithuania, but the Office Center 1000 building is definitely among their most famous.
If you are ever heading over to Lithuania, prepare yourself and plan a visit to this glorious building. You must see it in real life to truly appreciate its flawless design and style. Just ensure you have thought of an efficient method of transportation. Getting to Kaunas by car is extremely difficult, so it is best to explore other ways to get to the city.
Regardless of which method you use, you will not be disappointed when you get to see this building. Truly, the Office Center 100 building is one of Ra Studija’s best pieces yet, if not the best.