The National Institute of Architecture is launching “NAI Crit” – a yearly event dedicated to strengthening a culture of architectural criticism. The first event will take place in Vilnius on October 24, with British architect Tony Fretton as its invited guest.
The aim of “NAI Crit” is to create a space where practicing architects, academics, and students can open their work to critical, interdisciplinary discussion. The event seeks to bring Lithuanian architecture into a broader professional dialogue and to encourage a public culture of discussing architecture.
Invited guest – Tony Fretton
The invited guest of the first “NAI Crit” is British architect Tony Fretton. In 1982, he founded Tony Fretton Architects – a London-based practice working with cultural, public, and residential buildings.
For T. Fretton, writing is just as important a part of the architectural profession as design. His texts and works often return to public space, everyday life, urban context, and social relations.
Public architectural crit
After the lecture, a public architectural crit will take place, open to everyone wishing to participate. A three-member panel, including Tony Fretton, will select three projects from the open call submissions.
The selected participants will present their work in short 3–5 minute presentations, followed by a moderated discussion with the panel and the audience.
What kind of projects are we looking for?
We invite submissions of different kinds of work: built, fictional, theoretical, project-based, or those that do not yet fit within the usual frames of practice.
We especially welcome projects that rethink our everyday environment and raise questions about its use, forms, rules, and possible future scenarios.
Application process
Each application must include the project title, location, a description of up to 400 words, and one image presenting the project – a photograph, plan, axonometric drawing, sketch, or other material.
Applications must be prepared as an A4 PDF file and sent to the organisers by email at skaitykla@nai.lt.
Selected participants will be informed by October 9 and invited to take part in the “NAI Crit” event in Vilnius.
Practical information
Date: 2026 10 24
Location: Vilnius
Lecture: 14:00
Architectural crit: 15:00
Submission deadline: 2026 09 12
Selected participants informed by: 2026 10 09
Application format: A4 PDF
Email: skaitykla@nai.lt
More information about application – skaitykite čia.
More information about the panel will be announced soon.
