At Aleksotas, the city aims to repurpose a former military base into an industrial innovation hub with a specialised focus on biomed, pharma, and food sectors. The missions of the T-Factor Pilot provide a comprehensive framework for the transformative journey envisioned for the Kaunas Aleksotas Innovation Industry Park (AIIP) and its integration into the broader urban fabric of Kaunas. Each mission encapsulates a distinct yet interconnected objective, driving both the strategic and operational aspects of the initiative.

/meanwhile missions

Collaborative, Creative & Community-led Meanwhile

Promoting community engagement and setting the stage for individual and collective empowerment, leveraging the ‘meanwhile’ approach.

People and Planet-centered Innovation Ecosystem

Fostering an innovation ecosystem that aligned with the dual principles of human-centricity and planetary well-being. The focus is on the intersection of technology, health and sustainability.

Short Distance and Multi-Function Place

This mission envisages the development of versatile spaces that cater to diverse needs, enhancing the livability and attractiveness of the area.

/Prototypes

KAUNAS FORTRESS COMMUNITY SPACE: Collaborative, Creative & Community-led Meanwhile

The Kaunas Fortress Community Space focused on transforming public spaces into areas for artistic display and cultural exchange. These were not confined to traditional indoor settings but integrated into the urban landscape. They provided a platform for local artists to showcase their work and for the community to engage with art in their everyday environment. This initiative sought to democratise art, making it more accessible to a wider audience and fostering a vibrant cultural atmosphere in the city. The open gallery served as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and community interaction, enriching the urban experience.

kaunas fortress community space

SANDBOX SPACE: People and Planet-centered Innovation Ecosystem

The Sandbox prototype addressed the integration of digital technology into urban development and community engagement. This involved leveraging digital tools to enhance communication, improve access to cultural content, and facilitate community participation in urban projects. The digital shift sought to include the development of smart city initiatives, such as the integration of 5G technology, to improve urban infrastructure and services, with the goal of a more connected, efficient, and responsive urban environment.

sandbox space

OPEN GALLERY: Short Distance and Multi-Function Place

Open Gallery focused on transforming public spaces into areas for artistic display and cultural exchange. These galleries are not confined to traditional indoor settings but are instead integrated into the urban landscape. They provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work and for the community to engage with art in their everyday environment. This initiative aims to democratize art, making it more accessible to a wider audience and fostering a vibrant cultural atmosphere in the city. The open galleries serve as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and community interaction, enriching the urban experience.

open gallery

/Pilot emerging themes

Bridging Gaps and Creating Opportunities

The narrative highlights the pilot’s efforts to bring different stakeholders together, creating a strategic perspective on meanwhile use in Kaunas. The activities aimed to bridge the gap between artistic initiatives and urban planning, which have traditionally been separate spheres. By providing an opportunity for collaboration and common ground, the pilot sought to break down embedded patterns of communication based on hostility and mistrust.

Dealing with Complexity and Challenges

The narrative emphasizes the complexities involved in the pilot, from understanding its objectives to dealing with legal issues related to temporary land use. The pilot’s size and numerous partners required time to process, and the team faced challenges in aligning activities with T-Factor aims.

Demonstrating New Possibilities

The pilot’s work showcases alternate ways of urban development through activities like the biodiversity garden. By creating visible prototypes, the pilot aims to give hope and convince stakeholders to adopt new approaches to urban regeneration.

Building Connections and Inclusion

The pilot focused on establishing connections between diverse groups such as universities, cultural operators, communities, businesses, and industries. It sought to create a space for interaction and collaboration that went beyond conventional ways of doing things, fostering inclusive engagement with stakeholders.

Challenges in Involving Communities

Involving communities can be challenging, as they may have concerns and reservations about working with the municipality and external partners. Building confidence and ensuring genuine engagement require careful navigation of roles and methods to empower communities to take the initiative.

Strategic Planning and Funding Constraints

The narrative discusses the need to bridge the gap between theoretical planning and practical implementation. Funding remains a significant challenge in realizing the full potential of the pilot’s activities.

Transformation and Acceptance

The pilot has led to a transformation in perspectives among collaborators and partners. Whilst there are still challenges in communicating with Kaunas City, the pilot’s efforts have been recognized and understood at the department level, signaling progress and acceptance.

Empowerment and Future Prospects

Despite facing multiple challenges, the pilot has empowered stakeholders to question existing practices and seek better communication and alignment. It provides a starting point for future initiatives, and while some activities are still conceptual due to resource and territorial constraints, there is hope for their realization in the future.