Senvagė Park by PUPA Life Over Space: A Showcase of Urban Park Revitalization in Lithuania

Reimagining Public Space in Panevėžys

Nestled in the heart of Panevėžys, Lithuania, Senvagė Park has emerged as a shining example of successful urban park revitalization. Redesigned by PUPA Life Over Space and completed in 2022, this former underutilized space has been transformed into a vibrant community hub and landmark destination. By improving accessibility, enhancing interaction with the natural waterfront, and creating dynamic zones for activity and relaxation, the project has helped reposition Panevėžys as a livable, forward-thinking city.

What was once a neglected park with aging infrastructure and difficult terrain is now an essential part of the city’s new identity. This transformation aligns with the growing global focus on reactivating public spaces through sustainable, human-centric landscape architecture.

A New Identity Through Thoughtful Landscape Design

Senvagė Park’s design vision was rooted in changing the narrative of Panevėžys. Once associated with its industrial past and urban decay, the city has taken strides toward becoming a beacon of cultural vibrancy and quality urban life. The park played a central role in this rebranding effort.

The defining element of the project is a continuous red brick loop path encircling the pond, connecting small scenic nooks and public destinations throughout the park. This iconic pathway has not only enhanced visual identity but also encouraged leisurely walks and passive recreation for people of all ages.

Water as the Soul of the Park

Waterfront accessibility was at the core of the renovation strategy. A network of wooden piers, curved bridges, and stepped terraces allows residents and visitors to engage directly with the water’s edge. These elements create intimate connections to nature, encouraging moments of reflection, relaxation, or sunbathing on the small island at the park’s center.

Senvagė Park now serves as a flexible platform for both quiet enjoyment and active use. Whether it’s a peaceful walk at dusk or a lively festival weekend, the park fluidly accommodates a wide range of experiences.

Accessibility and Inclusivity as Priorities

Before renovation, the park’s steep grades and multiple staircases made it difficult to access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations. Today, regraded paths, gentle ramps, and carefully placed connections integrate the park into the surrounding urban fabric, linking nearby neighborhoods and public institutions with ease.

Bicycle routes have been added to encourage sustainable transportation, while new bridges allow smooth movement across the site. These interventions are not just functional—they promote inclusivity, ensuring that the space welcomes all.

Community-Centered Design that Reflects Local Values

Senvagė Park was designed for the people who use it most—its community. Beyond paths and greenery, the park includes playgrounds, sport zones, and cafe terraces that breathe new life into everyday city living. It hosts events, pop-up markets, and festivals that strengthen the local cultural fabric.

Involving the community in the design process was a key part of the project’s success. Local triathletes helped shape the features used for sporting events, ensuring the park met real-world needs. This collaborative spirit helped tailor the space not only for relaxation but also for physical activity, aligning it with Panevėžys’ identity as a sports-friendly city.

Sustainability and Simplicity in Materiality

The renovation was guided by a light-touch, natural approach. Materials such as timber and brick were chosen to harmonize with the surrounding landscape and preserve the park's character. Strategic planting and increased greenery have improved the ecological health of the area while creating year-round visual interest.

This simplicity of design fosters a timeless aesthetic, making the park inviting and low-maintenance while enhancing its longevity as a public asset.

From Local Green Space to National Recognition

Senvagė Park's redesign did more than reinvigorate a neighborhood park—it captured the attention of Lithuania’s architectural community. In 2024, the project was named one of the five best architectural works in the country at the biennial exhibition Introspection. This recognition highlights how meaningful urban park revitalization can serve as a model for future projects across the globe.

A Living Symbol of Urban Renewal

Senvagė Park today stands as a beloved civic space where residents gather, tourists explore, and local culture thrives. It shows how architecture and landscape design can reshape a city’s identity, foster inclusivity, and bring communities closer to nature and one another.

Through a strategic and sensitive approach to design, urban park revitalization has turned this once-forgotten space into the beating heart of Panevėžys.

All Photographs are works of  Aistė Rakauskaitė