2011
Rally Acropolis
the design for a signature trophy
THE PLINTH
01
rally acropolis
a brief history_1952-2011
Acropolis Rally, Greece (Greek: Ράλλυ Ακρόπολις) Held during the summer months under searing temperatures and dusty conditions, this rally is known for being one of the toughest on the World Rally calendar. Both car’s and driver’s are subjected to the most unforgiving, undulating and rocky roads that famously distinguish the Greek Rally. The Rally has been held since 1952 by the Greek Motorsports Organization Automobile and Touring Club of Greece (ELPA). Since the very beginning it has contributed significantly to Greek tourism and is one of the longest standing annual international events hosted by Greece. Many famous drivers have won this event including Walter Röhrl, Björn Waldegård, Ari Vatanen, Stig Blomqvist, Juha Kankkunen, Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae, among others. This year the ceremonial start will take place at the historic Acropolis site in Athens, while the service park will be based in Loutraki. Stages will be both in Athens and around Kamena Vourla.
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the plinth
the plinth as a commemorative stone
Commemorative stones have been used since Ancient Greece to mark a significant event or battle, as well as to describe a memorable figure. This tradition is found even today; a most notable example of this is coin engravings.
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greek materials
a celebration of greek materiality_white marble from dionysos
The ancient Greeks perceived marble as a building material which expressed the glory of Greek civilization; one that transformed structures into works of art. Most sculptural and architectural masterpieces of the classical period in Greece were made using marble quarried in Athens. The white marble of Dionysos is defined for its whiteness, its clarity and transparency.
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greek materials
a celebration of greek materiality_olive bark
The Ancient Greeks considered the olive tree to be a symbol of peace, wisdom and glory. Olive wreaths were worn by brides to denote pureness and were awarded to Olympic victors. The tree is native to the Mediterranean and has spread to nearby countries from there. Cultivation began more than 7000 years ago and has been grown commercially in Crete as far back as 3000 BC.
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the plinth
a design concept_ commemorative stone + victory = the plinth
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the plinth
a design concept_shaping the plinth
1_the block
2_pressure
3_stretching
4_applying curvature
The rectangular geometry of a quarried piece of marble is reminiscent of the Ancient Greek commemorative stones. With today’s technology, this geometry could be tampered with; pushed; stretched and even curved. At first sight the new geometry of “the plinth” is similar to the original block of marble. At closer inspection however, the object has been transformed and given a new contemporary identity.
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the plinth
a signature trophy_of greek ideas
The trophy of any race is a reward that symbolizes victory. A memento that attempts to freeze and immortalize a great personal achievement in time. The design of this years Rally Acropolis trophy tries to capture this very moment of victory as well as the route that this international competition has taken throughout its history and within the Greek Landscape. Its strict geometry is directly associated with ancient historic commemorative stones which narrate important battles and events. Its material, the white marble of Dionysos, is the same marble used in the monuments of the Acropolis. Its wooden detail from the Greek olive tree functions to depict and imitate the Greek landscape and define Greek tradition. The piece of marble varies in thickness, exposing its monolithic nature and revealing its transparency as it gets thinner.The wood of the olive tree flows into the surface and geometry of the marble while simultaneously provides a contrast with the whiteness the marble reflects.
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the ceremony
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the ceremony
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the contributors
from design to realisation_who we are
the designers... Jason Spiliotakos was born in Athens in 1980. He completed his architectural studies in London, where he received his Bachelor in Architecture (RIBA, Part I) from the University of Greenwich with the ‘Sheppard Robson award for best overall student’. He completed his Diploma in Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture (RIBA, Part II) with ‘Distinction’. After completing his military service he returned to London where he worked for Ken Shuttleworth’s practise Make architects. There he worked on large mixed-use developments in Croydon, Bath, The Olympic handball arena for the 2012 Olympics and numerous competitions. He returned to Greece in 2010 where he currently runs Jason Spiliotakos architects and is also a partner at E.M.A. which deals with government projects. He is a registered architect with the Greek Technical Chamber (T.E.E.) Giannis Douridas studied architecture in London Metropolitan University and he received his Masters from the Architectural Association in London. After completing his studies, he worked in Kohn Pedersen Fox in London where he was involved in numerous projects including the new Abu Dhabi Airport. His work has been widely published in both local and international magazines and books. Currently he holds the position of junior partner at R.C.TECH where he is in charge of the technology department. from sketch to manufacture
Stavros Gargaretas was born in Athens in 1985. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Sheffield (‘08), where he received a MEng in Structural Engineering and Architecture (RIBA, Part I) with the ‘John Carr Memorial prize for best overall student’ and the ‘Building Prize for final year work’ from the School of Architecture. After completing his military service in 2009 he moved to Slovenia to work for Sadar+Vuga architects. He is currently working at R.C.TECH in Athens.
the project manager... Christina Papas was born in South Africa in 1981 and moved to Greece at the age of four where she grew up and resides till today. Following her international schooling at the American Community Schools of Athens she received a Bachelor of Arts and Science from Deree College. She began her career in Marketing and Communications at a young age working for various companies and industries (i.e. Sony Music, Quintessentially, Diathlasis) and is currently freelancing in Marketing and Communication Strategies mainly in the design, arts and cultural industries. Despite her degree and professional experience, Christina has forever been a passionate artist and arts enthusiast, especially developing her skills in photography which she practices on a secondary professional level.
www.jasonspiliotakos.com
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