Did you know that architects have their own Oscars? Every two years, the EUmies Awards recognise the finest contemporary architectural projects in Europe. This year, architect Vytautas Baltus, an associate professor at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), is one of the nominees.
Baltus, a professor of architecture at KTU’s Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture (SAF), has been included in the longlist of nominees for his reconstruction of a farmstead in Gaižėnai village (Kaunas district).
“This work is very dear to me because it embodies my relationship with the place, memory and Lithuanian architectural tradition,” says Baltus.
Nomination – more than just professional recognition
Since 1988, the Mies van der Rohe Foundation and the European Commission have organised the EUmies Awards competition. The competition recognises the best architectural project and its creators, who receive the Mies van der Rohe Prize, a €60,000 award. Emerging architects and their projects also receive recognition, with a €20,000 award.
This prestigious competition showcases new achievements in European architecture that enhance the quality of life and environmental sustainability, while contributing to the development of the European economy and culture. The competition also encourages professional networking among those working in the European Union and helps young, talented architects establish themselves in the international market.
According to KTU’s Associate Professor Baltus, being nominated for this competition means taking part in a broader European dialogue about the quality, responsibility and essence of architecture, rather than just its form.
A contemporary project that retains its authenticity
The architect is confident that his submission to the competition reflects the European mindset of both himself and his clients. This is expressed through the values of contemporary architecture: sensitivity to the environment, restraint and respect for local culture and people.
“This project reflects the ability to combine modernity with memory, technology with simplicity and aesthetics with responsibility. The most important aspect of this project was to create an environment that was not only functional but also had cultural and emotional depth. This is an environment in which the quality of life stems from harmony with the environment rather than the ambition to control it. Modernity does not equate to noisy novelty, but rather to a high-quality, responsible relationship with what already exists,” says Baltus.
“The new architecture has not been recreated literally or by copying; rather, it has been created by continuing the conversation through contemporary expression and technical means that enable the new volumes to fit naturally into their former locations, extending the organic logic of the former farmstead,” says Baltus.
According to the architect nominated for the “Architecture Oscars”, this project exemplifies his understanding of harmony and demonstrates how it is possible to create contemporary designs that remain true to the architectural spirit of one’s homeland.
“It’s also about people who value quality, sensitivity and meaning,” he adds.
The next stage of the EUmies Awards competition will take place in January 2026. At this point, a shortlist of 40 works will be announced to continue competing for the main prize.
