Skaistakalnis Park is the oldest park in Panevėžys, Lithuania. Set in a scenic landscape along the bend of the Nevežis River, the park features hilly, wooded areas, small streams, and ponds. The architectural team “PUPA / Life Over Space” redesigned the park to enhance its beauty and accessibility. New bridges and paths improved access to previously hidden areas, while new activity zones, refreshed greenery, and increased biodiversity made the park more enjoyable for citizens.
© Aistė Rakauskaitė
The park has a rich history, originating as part of a historic manor in the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, the poet’s homestead in the park was a hub of cultural life. Later, various sports facilities were added, and the park hosted training sessions and competitions. However, in the 1970s, active sports were moved elsewhere to protect the natural environment. Though good for nature, this decision left the park neglected and overgrown for decades. This changed in 2016 when the Panevėžys municipality prioritized improving the city’s image and quality of life by investing in public spaces, arts, and culture, including Skaistakalnis Park.
© Norbert Tukaj
In 2017, “PUPA / Life Over Space” won the competition to redesign the park and its historic homestead. The primary goal was to preserve the park’s natural forested character while creating spaces for entertainment and leisure. Different zones were designed: areas for gatherings and cultural events near the arts center in the historic manor, sports and activity zones by the main bridge, playgrounds, and smaller meeting spaces with benches throughout the park.
© Aistė Rakauskaitė
The historic homestead, a red brick heritage building, became a key attraction. It was renovated and expanded with a modern glass extension housing workshops and residencies, blending with the surrounding landscape. The area around the arts center is used for community events, with wooden terraces hosting readings, concerts, fairs, and exhibitions. One terrace is built on the former manor barn site, incorporating its ruins and original masonry. Gardens and orchards are maintained by local citizens. Bridges also play a defining role in the park’s new identity. Both reconstructed and new bridges feature a design with vertical wooden planks. The main bridge across the Nevežis River, once inaccessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and cyclists, now includes ramps and an observation area for resting and viewing events. Smaller bridges over streams add charm and playfulness to the landscape of Skaistakalnis Park.
© Aistė Rakauskaitė
Skaistakalnis Park has been transformed into a vibrant, accessible space that balances nature with community activities, honoring its rich history while meeting modern needs. Its thoughtful redesign has made it a beloved destination for citizens, fostering both cultural engagement and outdoor recreation for generations to come. In 2024, the arts center in the historic manor—Skaistakalnis Park’s main attraction and cultural hub—was recognized as the Best Recreational Architecture Project in Lithuania for its exceptional design and impact.
Project Info
Architects: PUPA Life Over Space
Country: Lithuania
Area: 297000 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Norbert Tukaj,Aistė Rakauskaitė
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial