Kaunas City Board initiated the construction of two modern brickwork elementary schools during 1930-1931. One of them was for Lithuanian children on Aušra Street, the other for Jewish children on Uosto Krantas Street (now Karalius Mindaugas Avenue). Both objects were designed by engineer Antanas Jokimas who had been to Sweden and viewed the latest schools there. In the general Lithuanian context at that time the new structures were characterised not only by ascetic and plain facades, but also exceptional attention to hygiene and sunlight – it was ensured that the premises receive as much sunlight as possible. The classrooms of the Jewish school were supposed to fit in 400 children. As stressed in the press at that time, the school had not only classrooms, but also a festivities hall, a dining room, handicrafts facilities, doctor’s room, hot and cold water supply and other amenities essential for a modern institution.
Vaidas Petrulis