The Šiauliai District Municipality’s Ethnic Culture and Traditional Crafts Centre, housed in Kuršėnai Manor (Kuršėnai, Lithuania), is poised for expansion. In 2022, the Municipality acquired the manor’s historic stable building, intended to become part of the Centre. This new acquisition presents an opportunity to reconsider the Centre’s vision.
Šiauliai District Municipality’s Ethnic Culture and Traditional Crafts Centre
Project information
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Team
- Eugenijus Kaminskis
- Rasa Goštautaitė
- Donatas Baltrušaitis (BAULAND)
Client
Šiauliai District Municipality
Sector
Culture, Public services
We did
Vision, Workshops, Sensemaking, Research, Engagement, Data analysis
Year
2022
ABOUT PROJECT
Activating the Historical Infrastructure
The Challenge
How can a historic building be activated and integrated into a cohesive vision of the Šiauliai District Municipality’s Ethnic Culture and Traditional Crafts Centre?
The Context of the Challenge
Following the acquisition of Kuršėnai Manor’s historic stable building, there emerged a pressing need to reevaluate how the Centre can better meet citizen needs and further promote traditional crafts and manorial culture.
The Approach
01
Contextual Analysis
We analyzed the local context of Kuršėnai and Šiauliai District, focusing on its history, traditions, and key stakeholders in the cultural and tourism sectors.
02
Quantitative Research
A survey was conducted among Šiauliai District citizens to gauge their needs for cultural activities and their perceptions of the Centre’s current offerings.
03
Workshops
Workshops were held with municipality representatives and cultural operators from Kuršėnai and the wider Šiauliai District.
04
Architectural Vision
In collaboration with our urban planning partners, BAULAND, we developed an architectural vision for the Kuršėnai manor complex, including the activation of the stable building.
05
Data Sensemaking
We analyzed various data sets to clarify service development, promote the dissemination of ethnic culture and traditional crafts, manage museum artefacts, and implement services that cater to cultural and tourism needs in the Šiauliai District.
The Insight
The Centre has the potential to become not only a local but also a national tourist attraction. Renovating the stables could introduce much-needed tourist infrastructure such as a restaurant, apartments, and conference facilities. Additionally, the Centre could play a pivotal role in presenting a unified narrative of Šiauliai District’s traditions and history through its extensive museum collections.
The Change to the Context
01
Set the Understanding
The research process facilitated a deeper appreciation among stakeholders of the value of their assets and provided a more holistic view of the infrastructure.
02
Created Basis for Structured Action
A feasibility study serves as a critical stepping stone for the renovation of the stables, which are in urgent need of repair.
03
Framed Further Development
The study clarified the strategic direction for the future development of the Centre.
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