Construction of a new science building has begun in Vilnius, where the VILNIUS TECH Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute (AGAI) will move in in 2026. The modern extension, built using sustainable solutions, will be complemented by distinctive environmental accents – a reduced Vilnius airport plan and mini runway.
The new building of the VILNIUS TECH Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute will house research, study, administration and common areas: an amphitheater-conference hall, two smaller auditoriums, a reading room, a meeting room with multimedia equipment, and the faculty dean's office.
The construction of the extension began after the sale of the old AGAI buildings near the airport. The 840 m2 extension on Linkmenų Street, which is planned to be completed by autumn 2026, will be connected to the AGAI Training and Laboratory Building, which was previously relocated there.
This will mark the end of a major project – the relocation of AGAI from Rodūnios St. and other departments to the study campus on Linkmenų Street, thus ensuring better quality of studies and work.
According to VILNIUS TECH Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vaidotas Trinkūnas, the biggest change after implementing this project will be felt by AGAI students, whose lectures are currently held in the faculty's departments located in different parts of Vilnius, and practical classes at the Flight Practice Base located at Kyviškės aerodrome.
"The study environment will become much more spacious and comfortable, and students will almost no longer have to travel from one university building to another," shares the Chancellor of VILNIUS TECH.
A large area of the new building will also be allocated for leisure spaces - lounges, a library with a reading room.
“The concentration of studies, science, administration and leisure activities in one place – the Linkmenų study campus – will allow members of the AGAI community to concentrate more on their studies, work and activities, and will provide more opportunities to share knowledge and foster community spirit,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. V. Trinkūnas.
The fact that the new building will train aviation specialists will be easy to understand as soon as you enter - an airplane will greet you in the common area. The space around the building has also been symbolically marked and enlivened: the plan of Vilnius Airport will be partially replicated here, and a mini runway will appear.
The new space will also stand out with its design solutions: in addition to the airplane, which will certainly attract the attention of visitors to the building, there will be stairs installed here, which will serve two functions - a means of movement and a gathering point for students, where they can spend time between lectures.
Sustainable, long-lasting and economical solutions were chosen for the new AGAI building project, focused on the responsible use of non-renewable natural resources and energy efficiency, in order to reduce climate impact, environmental pollution and conserve natural resources.
The estimated cost of the works carried out by UAB "SADA LT" is 2,5 million euros. The design and construction works of the building are financed by VILNIUS TECH's own funds, as well as funds received from the sale of AGAI buildings on Rodūnios Street.
VILNIUS TECH is constantly investing in improving the university's infrastructure, study, research and living conditions. Currently, the renovation of dormitories and the laboratories of the Institute of Building Materials is continuing, the Digital Defense Competence Center is being installed, and a project to renovate the outdoor spaces of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and the amphitheater is being prepared.
Investments are also being made in increasing the energy efficiency of university premises and computerized heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions are being installed, which help ensure the microclimate of the premises and create opportunities to save energy resources.
In October 2024, a 39,6 kWp solar power plant will be launched on the Laboratory Building of the Faculties of Mechanics, Electronics and Transport, and similar power plants will soon be launched in the Central Building and Linkmeny Factory. The amount of electricity generated from renewable sources will account for up to 10 percent of the university's total electricity needs.
