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The character of the pavilion which will overlook the site of the Niarchos Foundation combines the ephemeral with the a-temporality of the real. Its character, too, as a parasite, depends on the proximity of the site to the same extent that the site “exists” as long as it is being overlooked from the pavilion. The relationship of the pavilion with the site is not obvious or clear. The building is not directed to the site. It rather follows the lines provided by the esplanade. The image of the site, although it is being filtered by the outer shell, is present from everywhere within the pavilion. The structure is ephemeral because it is the random coexistence of vertical, horizontal and other, linear and two-dimensional elements that, otherwise, tend to infinity. Their coexistence is random as far as it is permitted by the synthesis. The texture of the ephemeral which resembles a building site highlights the “temporary” in a building where the rigorousness of its volume indicates the intangible, not ephemeral. The building consists of an indoor space with an area of approximately 230m2 and covered surrounding area. No intervention is made out of the covered area. The area of intervention is defined by the horizontal slab and the bearing shell. Part of the roof covers the access ramp which leads to the entrance. One can either use the ramp without entering the pavilion and continue to walk on the esplanade or s/he can enter the building. The visitor may either follow the semi outdoor corridor that surrounds the indoor spaces or enter the pavilion. From the corridor one can look inside the building or at the building site. The interior of the pavilion consists of a perimeter exhibition space surrounding a central space which can be either the exhibition’s extension or be isolated and function as a lecture room. There are also three WCs (one for disabled people, one male and one female), storage space and an information desk with kitchenette. The lecture room may be isolated from other areas with sliding successive frames. By moving a small number of items with no special technology requirements the lecture room may be incorporated into the exhibition spaces. This central area is illuminated by an opening on the roof. Stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the pavilion is a function taken by the perimeter-interior corridor exhibition space and the bearing outer skin of the pavilion. The columns situated on the corners and along the sides of the inner peripheral exhibition space bear cantilevers with a triangular shape which function as elements that enhance the rigidity of the building. Vertical elements at the outer
limit of the semi-open space are situated on two lines and operate as a thick wall as well as railing. The bioclimatic building character is mainly attributed to the use of recyclable materials. The slab of concrete (not its insulation) and the walls can not be used again. All other materials, though, are recyclable. The semi outdoor corridor surrounding the indoor spaces is, to a degree, a containment factor for solar radiation. The nocturnal cooling functions when the two holes in the roof of the building are open. The gaps between beams and corrugated metal bearing roof help in this cooling function. The gaps are covered with perforated metal. Photovoltaic elements may be mounted on the roof of the building (thin film). The indoor units of mechanical equipment may be installed between the ceiling of the storage space, wc and the concrete slab. The indoor height eases the installation of audiovisual systems. The building will be illuminated by the light of its interior spaces. Floors, beams, load-bearing elevation elements are wooden and can easily be found in a typical Greek building site. The columns are made of synthetic wood. The roof is made of corrugated steel and concrete. Floor and roof are insulated. The walls and movable partitions are sandwich with wooden finish.