Modern building with abstract structures and hip roofs in a grassy landscape with stones.

A modern building with a series of minimalist, abstract structures featuring hip roofs, set in a grassy landscape with scattered stones and trees in the background.

Story

A Memorial to a Vanished Village The Lost Shtetl Jewish Museum in Šeduva, Lithuania, stands as a poignant commemoration of a village and its culture that disappeared overnight in 1941. Designed by Lahdelma & Mahlamäki architects, the museum embodies the memory of Šeduva through a series of minimalist, abstract structures that evoke the image of a shtetl. These 'houses' with hip roofs form a dreamscape, symbolizing the lost village. The architectural concept is deeply intertwined with the museum's function. The roof design of the galleries reflects the outer shell, with skylights in the roof ridge allowing natural light to filter into the space. This design creates a sense of openness in the upper gallery, while the lower gallery is more intense, focusing on the exhibitions. The entrance floor galleries offer views of the surrounding landscape, echoing the museum's connection to its environment. The museum's facade is crafted from marine aluminium, chosen for its durability and recyclability. The aluminium sheets, reminiscent of wooden shingles, form a scale-like surface that interacts dynamically with light and weather, blending the building into the landscape. This material choice also nods to the weathered farm buildings of the Lithuanian countryside. The museum's surroundings are designed as a memorial park, guided by the idea of the last journey. The park features landscapes that the Jews of Šeduva might have encountered on their way to the nearby forests, including birch alleys, flowering meadows, and an orchard. The project is a testament to international collaboration, involving designers and builders from multiple countries.

Design Highlights

Minimalist, abstract 'houses' with hip roofs Skylights in roof ridge for controlled natural lighting Marine aluminium facade with scale-like texture Memorial park with landscapes reflecting historical journey

Key Facts

Location Šeduva, Lithuania
Year 2025
Size 4,900 m²
Client The Lost Shtetl Museum
Programs Exhibition spaces, multipurpose hall, administration spaces, library, café

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Facade: Marine aluminium sheets arranged to form a scale-like surface.
  • Interior Walls: Wood paneling and stone surfaces.
  • Flooring: Light-colored stone surfaces.

Materials

  • Marine Aluminium — Facade
  • Concrete — Structural system
  • Wood — Interior paneling and furniture
  • Stone — Interior flooring and walls

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: Concrete cast on site.
  • Facade System: Marine aluminium sheets with a scale-like texture.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: white, silver-grey, muted, vibrant
  • Lighting: Natural light through skylights and controlled artificial lighting.

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