NOTION OF LAYERS

The Apex, Ground, & Underground Level

When framing the different grounds and levels of Athens, there is a clear distinction of the apex, ground, as well as the underground level.

Apex

The apex is easily understood as the top level of the buildings. Often times, there are associated with a secondary program with a specifi building: such as balcony, parking, residential spaces, gardens, etc. These apexes also stay consistent due to the almost-uniform architecture of the city.’’

“There is a beauty in looking up and not just admiring the ground level.”

- natassa pappa

The Ground

The ground could be understood between two subdivisions: the city and the actual ground, ultimately differentiating the walkway and paths where circulation becomes active from the masses that are also situated on ground level

A. “CITY LEVEL”

The City Level, as best described, consists of building mass or infrastructures, such as residential, commercial, or industrial buildings that both interrupt and encourage human traffic along the city.

B. “ROAD LEVEL”

The Road Leveld can classify networks such as roads and sidewalks that ultimately control the traffic and circulation of people; it is what individuals understand from eye level and of human scale, whereas the city levels recalibrates and interpolates the human ground into the level in-between the mentioned superlatives: The Apex & Road Level.

Complex Levels

Acropolis

This monumental area stands as one of many highest apexes in Athens that overlooks all of the city with its striking view.

The Acropolis has been a means to look down into the city, as historically intended as well, where statues of the gods and icons of power are situated atop the city. It is emblematic of the highest level of Athens, where in comparison to the following lower areas, contains priority in urban restoration and maintenance.