The Vilnius Museum invited our interdisciplinary team to join a unique endeavor to reinterpret James Joyce’s “Ulysses” within the urban settings of Vilnius city. This blend of literature and urban infrastructure presented a stimulating challenge that matched our team’s competencies.
Vilnelė Odyssey
Project information
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Team
- Rasa Antanavičiūtė, Vilnius Museum
- Živilė Miežytė, Vilnius Museum
- Lauryna Gružaitė
- Eugenijus Kaminskis
- Eglė Vitkutė
Client
Vilnius Museum
Sector
Culture
We did
Research, Engagement, Placemaking
Year
2023
ABOUT PROJECT
Co-creating the Artistic Interventions
The Challenge
How can we foster community interaction and empower residents to influence future local developments?
The Context of the Challenge
2022 marked the centenary of the publication of James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” To celebrate, the Vilnius Museum invited us to participate in the “Ulysses European Odyssey” project consortium and reinterpret “Ulysses” in the urban landscape of Vilnius.
The Approach
01
Local Project Design
In collaboration with Vilnius Museum, we co-designed a series of events for the residents of the Naujoji Vilnia, Paupys, and Markučiai districts. The goal was to engage them in co-creating new public spaces alongside professional architects and artists, helping to actualize their connection with the Vilnelė River that flows through these districts.
02
Framing of Symposium
We organized a public symposium themed “How can communities shape their environment?” which welcomed over 120 participants. The symposium included presentations, panel discussions, excursions, and a workshop.
03
Co-creation
Three functional installations were co-designed by professional architects and local communities and were introduced along the Vilnelė River in Naujoji Vilnia, Markučiai, and Paupys. These new public spaces invite residents and visitors to reflect on their role in shaping their city and symbolize continuous change and renewal, mirroring the dynamic nature of the Vilnelė River.
The Insight
The co-creation of new or renewed public spaces strengthens community ties and promotes care towards the surrounding environment.
The Change to the Context
01
Shaped One’s Living Environment
Enhanced dialogue and practical experiences regarding the role of communities in shaping their living environments.
02
Enabled New Public Spaces
Three new public spaces were co-created along the Vilnelė River in the Paupys, Markučiai, and Naujoji Vilnia districts.
03
Actualized Literary Heritage
James Joyce’s “Ulysses” was actualized and reinterpreted within the urban context.
The Design
For Vilnelė Odyssey, a series of events by Vilnius Museum, we created a visual identity that treats the Vilnelė river as a guiding line of the story.
The key visual is a large-scale illustration where the Vilnelė river flows through all participating districts. Recognisable silhouettes of apartment blocks, churches and townhouses represent Paupys, Markučiai and Naujoji Vilnia, while the blue river becomes the main connecting element. Road-sign inspired logo with rounded typography, hinting at a friendly journey along the Vilnelė river.
Long, playful arms stretch across the scene – holding a heart, launching a boat, drawing, pointing and stepping into the water. These gestures symbolise residents’ care, creativity and active role in shaping their neighbourhoods. The muted green–blue palette is drawn from the local landscape, making the identity calm, accessible and easy to adapt for posters, social media templates and event materials.
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