KOURKOPOULOS ELEFTHERIOS
KOURKOPOULOS ELEFTHERIOS ARCHITECT & DESIGNER
SELECTED WORKS 2015 - 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DIPLOMA THESIS
CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM
DANUBE RIVER BRIDGE
academic work
academic work
academic work
“CIRCLE is” CREMATORIUM IN PATRAS
MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY CENTER
SAGA FURS EXPOSITION BOOTH
professional work
professional work
VERTICAL PLAYGROUND
misc. work
professional work
DIPLOMA THESIS
ANTI-DESERTIFICATION UNITS | 2019 academic work To address the global sand crisis and desertification menace, this project proposes a mechanism in order to rejuvenate barren lands by using bio-domes. To elaborate, the project follows a speculative path and proposes structures in the desert of Saudi-Arabia, capable of hosting human and plant life under extreme conditions. In chosen locations, permeable biodomes provide shading and water supply, through an artificial water cycle, rendering the area viable for plantations. Consequently, via the use of contemporary technologies, micro-climates are established, which allow a gradual growth of an ecosystem, both inside and outside of the structure. Throughout the project, a seamless process is proposed, which can be altered according to the conditions of each location. Moreover, the highly adaptable nature of the process stimulates and incites transdisciplinary collaboration. Hence, this project constitutes simultaneously a prototype and a case-study of the process mentioned above.
complex top view
enclosure bio-dome top view
sand particle movement and field simulations
experiments Simulation was chosen both as a design tool, as well as a method of understanding and exploration. As a result, a grand portion of the thesis was dedicated to understanding the movement of sand particles by the wind and integrating that into a design process which took into account the environmental parameters of the area. Computational tools and pipelines were used as a field of connections and interactive behaviours, in order to bridge the gaps between the different factors which interacted with each other and explore emergent behaviours. Hence, the design of the bio-domes followed a similar path. The structural principles of sand dunes and the movement of wind and sand were merged and resulted into the final bio-dome form.
prototypes prototype for aquatic plant perservation
particle movement in 3D space
prototype for exterior pavilion
prototype for environment enclosure
particle movement in karman-vortex-street field
particle movement using sand dune formation principles
exploded diagram of factor interactivity
physical model photographs
accomodation bio-dome rendering
In order to insert the human factor in this project, a complex of three bio-domes was proposed. Each with a different focus and use. To explain, a bio-dome of aquatic plantation provided fertile conditions for and aquatic ecosystem. A second bio-dome incorporated infrastructure for farming (both traditional and aquaponics) and residences for temporary accommodation. Lastly, a large bio-dome provided the necessary conditions for artificial temperate climates, through the use of layered structures, each providing more controlled conditions. To conclude, the bio-domes where connected by outdoor paths, which allow both pedestrian transportation and transportation by car. Furthermore, stations were designed which provided shading.
CONTEM PORARY ART MUSEUM
isometric view of the whole complex
This project was designed in a studio aiming to replicate the process of designing an entry for an architectural competition. This particular competition had as a subject the integration of a museum of contemporary art in an old silo building near the port in Kristiansand, Norway. In this entry, the main goal of the design constituted the demonstration of the silo building itself as a piece of art. Therefore, most of the exhibition was added in outside volumes, while the main body of the silo building was left open and acts as a lobby. Furthermore, the outdoor porch between the buildings acts as an outdoor gathering space which can be also thought of as an extension of the lobby itself. Also, activities such as workshops or outdoor temporary exhibitions can be incorporated in the already designed exhibition route, rather than occupying a separate area. Lastly, special attention was paid to designing the urban space around the building so as to integrate it in the urban tissue of the town.
CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM | 2017 academic work
exploded axonometric diagram
perspective section
A main element of the design was the cut of the silo structure. In order to create a viable lobby area and an interesting space, the concrete silo tubes were cut up to a certain point. Consequently, the whole silo building offers a feeling of openness and awe to the visitor. The silos were trimmed using a flowing curved surface, which dipped towards the lobby, so as to create a dramatic ambiance, and lifted above the cafĂŠ, in order to lead the eye towards the roof. The upper portion of the silo tubes was covered with translucent material, as the natural lighting is an important factor in the design.
diagram of new and old building
diagram of uses
DANUBE RIVER BRIDGE
DANUBE RIVER BRIDGE | 2018 academic work
concept of the bridge’s formation
conceptual sketches of urban spaces
axonometric diagram and explenation of uses
elevation of the bridge
In this design studio, the design of a bridge in Budapest, Hungary was proposed, as a way to bridge the two shores of the Danube river. This particular proposal centers around the conceptual approach of the bridge as an active urban space, rather than a mere passage. Hence, the bridge was combined with four cubical structures which housed unique uses. A design goal was the combination of pedestrian and cyclist routes with monolith-like structures, where passing civilians can witness unique urban events. Moreover, the large size of the structures was chosen as a mean of awe provocation to the visitors.
diagram of open-air concert hall
diagram of urban vertical garden
diagram of urban baths
diagram of open-air digital media exhibition space
Each cubical structure was connected with a particular use, which determined the design decisions made. To elaborate, a concert hall was design as a cave, so as to mimic the acoustics of it. An open-air digital media exhibition space made use of layered surfaces, in order to exhibit works on the structure itself. Urban baths made use of the full height of the monolith and incorporated an artificial waterfall as a focal point. Lastly, a vertical botanical garden inspired awe to the visitor, while offering a unique experience. The design principle and goal behind each cube was the stimulation of the visitor’s senses and provide unique urban spaces to the citizens of Budapest. Moreover, by designing in such a large scale, the bridge aimed to create a landmark for the city of Budapest, which would attract visitors from the broadened area of Europe.
perspective section
“Circle is” - CREMAT ORIUM IN PATRAS
“Circle is� - CREMATORIUM IN PATRAS | 2019 professional work
This project is the entry for a cremation center competition in Patra. Greece, designed by the TTDZ design team. A wide variety of components were composed together and resulted in the final design. A circular perforated fence was placed around the area in order to reduce the optical contact from the road and render the cremation center more private. The landscaping was designed as a patchwork of different elements, where the ashes of the deceased could be spread. The main building of the cremation centered was designed in a conventional way, so as to follow the regulations closely and give prominence to the main gate and the dome, which consisted the focal points of the design. Regarding the dome, which was incorporated in the ritual hall, a wooden waffle-like structure was used in order to diffuse the light evenly, while the inner side of the dome was sculpted, so as to add elements of significance around the area where the body of the deceased would be placed. exploded diagram of components
masterplan
landscape rendering
ritual hall rendering
sections and elevations
gate rotation diagram
process of gate embossment creation
The gate of the ritual hall acted as an allegory, incorporating elements of sacred scenes from a wide array of religions in order to reduce religious discriminations. To design the gate, a collage was created, combining numerous religious symbols. Afterwards, the collage was used as a map in computational tools, so as to emboss the surface of the gate. The proposed design method of the gate is CNC milling.
MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY CENTER
library rendering
MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY CENTER | 2018 professional work As an entry for a mixed-use community complex competition, this project sought to combine a complex program of facilities with the much needed urban space for the area. Hence, the epicentre of the design was the reduction of the building scale, while simultaneously introducing as much green space as possible. The division of the building volumes was based upon the best liaison of the facilities for the personnel and the residents. Therefore, the facilities were split into two building volumes, one incorporating
ground floor floorplan
more public and extroverted uses, while the other one hosting more introverted and private uses. To elaborate, into the buildings, facilities such us a kindergarten, a hostel, a communal gym, a communal doctor’s office and a commemoration space were integrated among others. The building style was carefully chosen so as to respect the scale of the adjacent buildings. Moreover, each floor follows a slightly different shape than the one below, in order to reduce the big volume of the buildings and diminish the impression of its scale. Finally, numerous balconies and recession were added to the design so as to ameliorate the communication between the buildings.
axonometric diagram of uses
Regarding the space dedicated to the public, a green route was added in between the two buildings, creating a passage. Throughout the landscape design, many different routes were designed as well, so as to encourage the traversal through the site. Each has a different width and length, according to its significance. Moreover, the building site was left unfenced, in order to incite and give prominence to the extroverted character of the complex. However, certain areas were carefully designed so as to facilitate the surrounding uses.
SAGA FURS BOOTH
SAGA FURS EXHIBITION BOOTH | 2019 professional work
This booth was designed to represent the saga furs brand in the 4th fur fair in Kastoria, Greece. The brand is represented by austerity, earthy tones and natural elements, mainly wood. As a result, the design was focused around designing a minimal space, while introducing the necessary complexity for its smooth function. A special design element constituted the tables, which were designed and custom made. The table design followed the same austere design principles. However, the branching shape of its legs referred to an abstract tree structure, requested by the client.
design of the tables
photos of the constructed booth
VERTICAL PLAY GROUND
VERTICAL PLAYGROUND | 2015 misc. work
This project was design as part of the Ecoweek workshop of 2015 in Thessaloniki, Greece. As a subject, the workshop revolved around the design of a structure which would rejuvenate a school yard. Drawing inspiration from the verticality of its adjacent buildings, the proposal centered around a scaffold which would incorporate spaces for the students. Each cubical room has a separate function. Furthermore, moving panels insert the element of customization into the design. Finally, a dense grid behind the whole structure allows vertical plant growth. As such, the green element is intertwined with the structure itself and renders the school yard more pleasant environment for the students.
exploded diagram of components
elevation
isometric diagram
KOURKOPOULOS ELEFTHERIOS