Desmos
2013 M.Arch Thesis: DESMOS - Design, Inventiveness and Collaboration in a Time of Crisis Re-Thinking the Future, International Architectural Thesis Award (Honorable Mention) Athens, Greece Dalhousie University supervisor, Diogo Burnay advisors, Catherine Venart, Leon Katsepontes
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Athens presents itself as a continuous sheet of concrete pouring into the Agean Sea interrupted only by the Acropolis and Lykavitos Hill. Yet from within lie a myriad of micro-economies with enormous potential. Micro-economies which go beyond commerce, but are rather cultural economies which root the city as critical and inseparable components of Athens.
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synopsis When
an
economic
crisis
arises,
ideas amongst young professionals sparks
excessiveness is questioned. Do we need
a design that provides service spaces such
more public spaces? What happens when
as workshops, print labs, meeting spaces
we revert to a purely functionalist state of
and social spaces, woven together with a
mind, does it yield stagnation in the road
circulation network in excess of minimal
to economic recovery? If so, the question
requirements. Injection of collaborative-
becomes, what do we create in excess?
based workplaces into the already vibrant informal center’s city blocks (a place with a
Greece is now entering its fifth year of
myriad of expertise) makes the architecture
recession and external sources continue
worth investing in. It positions architecture
to impose foreign models of larger more
within under-utilized voids, allowing Athens
efficient operations onto Athens. This thesis
to make better use of its spaces and therefore
aims to signify the importance of informal
become a much smarter urban center.
Athens’
micro-economies.
It
looks
at
urbanism from the human scale upwards and
Architecturally, the flexible domino house
considers how injecting interventions at the
inspired modernist building of the 1970s
scale of the city block can influence Athens’
(known as the Polykatikia in Athens) serves as
communication. It proposes workplaces
structural framework to the new architecture.
based on resource sharing within under-
It proves that potentials of the existing
utilized zones in the city: an urban gesture
concrete post and beam frame buildings
that re-imagines the city blocks of Athens as
have not been exhausted and new spaces
a system of vibrant micro-agoras, curating
and relationships are still possible by simply
talent that already exists. Such a gesture
re-configuring its tectonics. In the center lies
promotes the power of collaborations and
the proposed Platea (the Greek public square).
reinforces an understanding that we are all
As in the ancient Agora, the Platea acts as the
part of a system, an ideology the Greeks call
connective tissue, binding the activities of the
Desmos.
city block with the street network of the city.
By
challenging
excessiveness
in
the
The current tendencies of Athens have proved
workplace, we can reflect on resources and
that resource sharing and collaborations
facilities available in bigger companies/
are not a fad, but mechanisms for survival.
systems and strategize a program aiming at
They are fundamental principles of Desmos
resource sharing. As such, it provides tools
that holds a special place in Greek culture.
only financially viable in larger companies to
Therefore evolving Athens based on Desmos
small-scale businesses. It allows Athenians
not only fosters economic recovery, but
to operate and innovate autonomously
also is an opportunity to evolve the built
with the support of a much larger system,
environment to reflect Greece’s cultural
a model that closely resembles the ancient
tendencies.
Agora. The necessity for sharing facilities and
PEOPLE ARE H
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HERE, TRYING
The smallness of Athens` operations is considered a negative for the economic downturn of Greece. Yet its scale is what gives Athens its distinctive character.
score 5.8 companies
score
5.8 companies
10-49 employees 50
20
10
0.0
companies 0-9 employees
40
30
20
10
0.0
60
50
40
30
20
10
49-250 employees
0.0
companies 0-9 10-49 employees companies employees
60
50
companies companies 0-9 49-250 employees employees
250+ employees companies 0-9 employees companies 10-49 employees companies 49-250 employees
companies 10-49 employees 250+ employees companies 49-250 employees
In comparison with other European Nations, Greece has by far the highest 250+ employees companies 10-49 employees companies 49-250 employees concentration of small 0-9 employee business, constituting thirty percent of all businesses. Even second place does not come close at nineteen percent (Portugal) while Germany has the lowest percentage of small businesses at less than five percent
(data from Adelman 2012, 19)
companies 49-250 employees
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
germany denmark germany austria netherlands denmark austria spain netherlands italy spain portugal italy portugal
60
companies 49-250 employees
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
score 30
companies 10-49 employees
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
5.8 40
companies 0-9 employees
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
0.0
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
5.8
germany denmark germany austria denmark netherlands austria spain netherlands spain italy italyportugal portugal
score
germany germany denmarkdenmark austria austria netherlands netherlands spain spain italy italy portugal portugal
percent manufacturing workforce
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
10
germany denmark germany austria netherlands denmark austria spain netherlands italy spain italyportugal portugal
0.0 40
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
10 20
germany germany denmark denmark austria austria netherlands netherlands spain spain italy italy portugal portugal
20
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal percent manufacturing workforce
30 30
germany germany denmark denmark austria austria netherlands netherlands spain spain italy italy portugal portugal
percent manufacturing workforce
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
40
percent manufacturing workforce
germany denmark austria netherlands spain italy portugal
50 50
250+ employees
250+ employees
250+ employees
250+ employees
9
60 60
Moving forward, we must re-define Athens as an Urban Tool to better encourage Desmos and therefore Collaboration
0.0 3.0
3.2
3.4
3.6
3.8
4.0
4.2
4.4
switzerland iceland norway australia
0.1
new zealand
0.2
chech republic
0.3
hungary
0.4
spain
0.5
portugal
4.6
4.8
5.0
denmark
usa
france
0.6
korea
0.7
uk
austria
0.8
germany
0.9
canada belgium
netherlands
1.0
finland
sweden
japan
1.1
poland slovakia italy turkey mexico
patents/1000 population
11
1.2
5.2
5.4
5.6
5.8
university-industry research collaboration score
Collaborations versus innovation, illustrating the deficiencies. (data from Adelman 2012, 24)
In 1973, E. F. Schumacher released the first edition of Small is beautiful, promoting the human-scale of economics. It was considered ground-breaking for its recrimination of the modern “bigger is better� mentality that was (and still is) present in most economic models. Schumacher states that small businesses bring their own energy and allow a much higher quality product to be brought forward, something mass production can never achieve. By doing so, value can be added to products that would normally be sold for a much lower rate. Three points he considers to be fundamental in function of work are: give a man a chance to utilize and develop his faculties; to enable him to overcome his ego-centredness by joining with other people in a common task; and to bring forth the goods and services needed for a becoming existence.
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Assos, Eipirus, Greece
Athens is a destination of three days, the city’s goal is to transform it to a seven day destination.
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Monastiraki Flee Market, Athens
Greece
European Union Migrant’s perception of Greece’s connection/ border relationship to the rest of Europe
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Greece
Eurozone The reality of Greece’s connection/ border relationship to the rest of Europe
Eurozone shaded countries represent the Eurozone. This figure shows Greece’s disconnect with its fellow western European countries, for this reason, Greece is often considered Europe’s Island. Yet although de-centralized in relation to Europe, its South East location allows easier trade routes to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. For this reason, Greece has been a hinge and major trade route since antiquity.
Focusing on the Typical rather than Exceptions Monuments and attractions have historically taken precedence but in a time where Athens as a system must become better rather then bigger, we must now shift gears and understand how we can transform the city into a Smart and Intelligent Urban Tool to better equip it for the Future.
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Test Site
abandoned buildings in Athens’ center has swelled to 500, doubling since 2004. Of these buildings, the majority are in Metaxourgio and Psiri
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Metaxourgio, Athens, Greece
TEST SITE
Reuse As residents continue to migrate out of Athens, the abandonment of the city center is growing. By viewing this as an opportunity, we can now start thinking about how we can use abandoned spaces within vibrant and central parts of the city. Data by Sarcha, 2010. Illustrations Thanasis Ikonomou, 2013
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City Analysis Interpretation of Athens based on an analysis of programmatic relationships, circulation patterns and tectonics, 2013
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TEST SITE
GREEK CENTRAL BANK
NEW MICRO-AGORA (TEST SITE)
ANCIENT AGORA
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Bring back the Agora The Ancient Agora (as a place of communication + Intellectual exchange) is more relevant than ever. By looking at the circulation, Platea (square) and intersection with program it becomes possible to re-imagine Athens’ city blocks as a network of microagoras. Each city block can develop an identity, and contain a pocket of common space which enriches communication amongst its users and allows the city block to express its activities.
Hadrian’s Library
an
Roman Forum ora nt ag cie
3500 - 600 b.c.
the ancient Agora under Greek Rule
86 - 267
Roman Agora under Roman Rule
Agora
GREEK PARLIAMENT
479 - 338 b.c.
Agora after Persian Innvasion
1205 - 1456
Agora during the Crusades Bazar
338 - 86 b.c.
Athenian Agora under Greek rule
1456 - 1687
Agora under Ottoman Rule
Ancient Agora The Ancient Agora was considered the centre of innovation in antiquity. Its main characteristics were the Platea, stoas (acting to extend the interior program outwards toward the Platea) and most importantly a main circulation artery which intersects the Platea. It was a swelling of the street which allowed for optimal communication between the city and the Agora’s program.
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intersecting paths
platea stoas
Agora of Athens Victorian etching from the 19th Century looking Southwest depicting the Agora of Athens during the era of 338-86 b.c.
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School of Athens, Raphael (1509-1511) Located as a fresco in the Vatican’s Stanza della Segnatura, “the Scool of Athens” was painted to portray Philosophy. The fresco is a collage of moments and philosophers used to represent the Ancient Greek Agora and its impacts.
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New Age Athens (Plaka District) The center of urban life has shifted, with the adaptation of the city toard an automobile centric landscape - urban spaces are now less intimate, and focused towards constant motion rather than rest and contempation.
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Zoe [Ζωη (ΖΩΗ)] is the Greek word for not only life, but a purpose to live. To live in peace, balance and harmony with others - a word provoking thoughts of wellbeing and friendship. Its lightness in composition reminisces of simple times where to live not only meant to live for yourself, but to live in harmony with your community. In the Greek language there are only positive connotations of life, built upon the power of gathering, yet describing the power of such a word is as hopeless as quantifying the soul. Open your eyes, see the stone laid by your ancestors, the olives planted for the community and the village fanning into the distance. Close your eyes, hear the birds, the insects, the wind, the people and the energy. The two senses gather from opposite ends of the spectrum, yet what you see and what you hear resonate. No question you are standing in the Platea/square of the town, but how do you know you are in the heart of the city? how is it so instinctual that you are able to recognize such a place? Looking around, you eagerly seek clues: Is it the children playing in the background? the elders conversing in the foreground? its materiality? its centrality in the village? perhaps its the accumulation of all these things. Residents of the town will tell you its the people that make the space
- they are the beating heart of any place. But the people are not the only ingredient. There is a glue which holds the community together, and the physical manifestation of the built outdoor square provides such a role. It orchestrates activities and unites people. It provides the platform for things to happen, and the articulation of material and integration of nature adds layers transforming a space to what would be “left over” to the beating heart. As the hot pavement radiates heat towards you, consecutive cars pass by at lightening speeds, instantly awakening you. You are now in 21th century Athens, and while the energy is high, the glue is wearing out. The delicate Zoe is hard to comprehend in such a chaotic place, and although Plateas in the city exist in name, they are absent in spirit. The streets of Athens now provoke different sensations, one’s of uncertainty and struggle. The focus on Zoe is fading... yet along the Street of Panepistimiou, it mysteriously reveals itself. The three simple black letters are discrete at the scale of the city, yet at the same time pronounced. The messages is a reminder to others of what it means to be Greek and more importantly, what it means to be part of a community; it sends the message of what Athenians yearn: life, independence, a sense of belonging and a desire to set your own destiny.
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Interior Spaces Study of the possibilities for a new type of work environment. Consideration is taken for a rhythm between inside and outside, clustering of disciplines together and natural lighting.
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Second Variation No longer is it a double loaded corridor, allowing better ventilation and interaction to the outside. Circulation is now non-linear, allowing meandering through the space.
Third Variation Larger tables allow multiple disciplines to work together, while breakout spaces and gardens provide meeting places in the system.
Fourth Variation This scheme combining the strengths of the previous studies. Large work-desks allows people with multiple perspectives to work together. These desks are positioned along the center, interrupting the linear circulation. Studios, gardens and breakout spaces supplements he main work area.
ATHENS
Deviation from the Traditional Platea The platea is/was the cultural glue of communities and critical for social and professional exchange of knowledge. It was designed for the scale of a village - a critical mass large enough to ensure its vibrancy yet small enough for users to take ownership. The scale reflected a smallness necessary to create a feeling of a collective. Today, many of Athens’ Plateas have deviated from the characteristics of the prototypical Platea.
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VILLAGE
Acropolis
The need for a new old type of Gathering Space Greece has a rich history of successful models for informal encounters, but Athens presents a gap in gathering spaces at the scale of the city block. The introduction of a platea for the city block introduces a scale of gathering space which is lacking in contemporary Athens, but a gesture which acts as a keystone for the proposed transformation of Athens’ city blocks into Micro-Agoras.
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Resources
?
City Block
Athenian Platea Village Platea
street Kouzina (kitchen)
LIBERATION MONO
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N FROM THE OLITH
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fluidity of space the polykatikia’s chamber has been permeated, allowing its contents to be released. The fenestrations of the once solid forms provides exodus for activity to ooze into the periphery. The engagement with the exterior spaces forms new relationships between exterior and program, where interior functions now naturally flow towards the exterior. The osmosis of activity through the fine
permeation of the polykatikia lead to the disruption of the layered cake. When looking at the program between the threshold of interior and exterior, the layers although at one time aligned are now offest from one another. Engagement is therefore not only enhanced by integration of exterior spaces, but augmented by the displacement of layers across the threshold.
thresholds polykatikia’s characteristic domino inspired skeleton is encapsulated by the envelope. The flexible post and beam construction is conceiled behind the boundary of inside and out. Within this boundary exist openings, some of which are windows and others doors. Such conditions not only
existing
new
Propagating the concrete frame to increase interaction between the existing Polykatikias (1:100 Model)
The precursor to the Athenian modern building unit (Polykatikia) Source: From Domino to Polykatikia
existing
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at this point there is no time or money to re-invent structure, instead we must implement a more intelligent strategy which utilizes the existing familiar construction system. the challenge is how can we re-configure the familiar to maximize communication, diversify spaces and create healthier/more organic environments?
Flexible Architectural “bones� There is a need for more collaborative working space and a desire to attract more young talent to the center of the city, but is it necessary to re-invent everything? Can we keep the existing structural technology and re-direct our energy towards re-configuring spaces between the frame instead? The platform allows for an evolution of Athens rather than a re-invention, fostering much more organic growth
Polykatikia as a canvas rather than object A new circulation system coincides with the frame to reveal the energy behind the monolithic Polykatikias
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Polykatikias of the Test Site This city block contains a total of five Polykatikias built between 1965-1980. The thesis seeks to re-think the connections between program of these five buildings.
NW Pol yk
W Po lyka tikia
SW Pol yk atikia
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atikia NE Pol yk atikia
SE Po lyka tikia
Existing Polykatikia Circulation Currently, circulation between program is limited vertically, embedded in dark circulation cores with minimal interaction between neighbors within the city block.
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Circulation in the City Block Not only is it important to plug architecture into the circulation system, but it is important to extend circulation loops from the city scale into the city block. Multiple passages create redundancy in circulation, encouraging exploration of the city block. The thesis designs paths through the platea and between polykatikias. The circulation networks within the architecture and platea are designed in parallel and are intersected with the street network to allow public engagement with the activities of the block. Three interventions have been designed to form a more networked city block. The aim is not only to link the program horizontally, but also vertically, helping reduce the “layered cake� effect of the city. The bridge links the NE and NW polykatikias. The Tower links the W, SW and SE polykatikia. The creation of the platea in the center forms a hinge between the Tower and Bridge intervention, providing a central node for the users of the block at the point of converging paths.
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Studio Space A series of models at a myriad of scales were used to study the impacts of form to the ciruclation and urban composition of Athens
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Form and circulation were explored in sync to discover the potentials of the site and conditions. The resultant architecture found a solution which reimagined the circulation of the city block while absorbing newly built common spaces.
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Exploring possibilities of occupying between polykatikias.
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MINIMUM INT
Re-working the entire site goes too far, but the bare mini from the minimum for Athens to act more co
imum is not enough. Therefore how far must we deviate ollaboratively akin to clusters of micro-agoras?
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TERVENTIONS
Three Interventions Distilling the Strategy to three interventions, the new injected architecture takes form of a Bridge addition, Tower addition and Platea/central square to unite the existing program of the City Block.
Tower
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Bridge
Pla tea
from athens public market
from platea monastiraki
1 2
Tectonic Forces of the City Block Illustrating existing structures in black, public spaces in grey and a new circulation system in red - all forces present in the site used as a driver to create the new micro-agora
4
8
16 m
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Existing Circulation Taking an interest on the four Polykatikias on the test site, current circulation only provides adequate circulation with the street.
New Circulation = New Micro-Agora With the new common work-spaces/ architecture in orange, the re-designed circulation route is no longer limited to interactions with street. Instead, meandering through new spaces encourages unexpected encounters with different people and disciplines
Current Polykatikia The current Polykatikia’s monolithic form
Unoccupied areas The intentions are not to displace people from their existing workplaces but rather inject program into under utilized areas
BREAKOUT
CONFERENCE S P A C E S R O O M S
GALLERY BOOK
COMMON KITCHEN
P R I N T STACKS CENTER
STUDIO SPACES
OPEN CPU D E S K SPACE
EXHIBITION S P A C E
S P A C E INSTRUCTIONAL S P A C E S
READING ROOMS
COMMON
PROTOYPING M E E I N G
Injection of common areas Print shops, meeting rooms, prototyping spaces are all resources typically reserved for much larger companies
A new way of circulating Much more then just program, the new system allows a new way of interacting and collaborating with their neighbours
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BREAKOUT
CONFERENCE S P A C E S R O O M S OPEN CPU D E S K S P A C E
food and entertainment
COMMON horticulturist
GALLERY BOOK
artisans
EXHIBITION S P Amusician C E
chef
baker
P R I N T STACKS cinematographer CENTER
KITCHEN
STUDIO SPACES
COMMON
PROTOYPING M E E I N G INSTRUCTIONAL S P A C E
professionals + academics
academics
entrepreuneurs
S P A C E S
READING R Oengineer O M Scomputer programer
shared resources
design
painter
marketing director
industrial designer
graphic designer
ceramics artist
academics
clothier
shoe maker
blacksmith
industrial designer computer programer repairmen
trades + craftsmen
seamstress
blacksmith
musician craftsmen
shoe maker
chef
network of micro-agora city blocks
city block BREAKOUT
CONFERENCE S P A C E S R O O M S OPEN CPU D E S K S P A C E
and entertainment
COMMON horticulturist
GALLERY
STUDIO SPACES
BOOK EXHIBITION baker P R I N T STACKS
artisans
KITCHEN
cinematographer CENTER
chef
S P Amusician C E
COMMON PROTOYPING M E E I N G INSTRUCTIONAL S P A C E
S P A C E S
professionals + academics
READING R Oengineer O M Scomputer programer
academics
entrepreuneurs
shared resources
design
rades + craftsmen
industrial designer
painter
marketing director graphic designer
ceramics artist
shoe maker
academics
clothier
blacksmith
industrial designer computer programer repairmen seamstress
blacksmith shoe maker
musician craftsmen
chef
city block
Resources of a Large Company To maintain a sense of smallness yet recognizing the need to compete globally, a sequence of common spaces needs to be injected into the city block in order to allow it to act like a much larger entity. Resource sharing not only makes these spaces financially viable, but also encourages collaboration and cross disciplinary encounters
clusteringcommunities within informal athens
network of micro-agora city blocks
social lounge
book stacks/ reading
conference rooms
book stacks/ reading room
drawing lab open workspace
open workspace print bridge
common workspace
BRIDGE
prototyping
Prototyping + Design Spanning between two buildings of artist studios, craftsmen etc, the bridge aims to centralize facilities geared towards hands-on exploration. The spaces are arranged as a sequence of interlocking double height spaces and flexible enough for creative processes.
outdoor mock-up space common kitchen
group meeting space
meeting space gallery space instructional room
outdoor teaching theatre
social lounge
book stacks/ reading room
book stacks/ reading room
common workspace
group meeting space
instructional room
TOWER
Academic Research Designed as a place of teaching, reading and reflection, the tower complements the bridge in the amenities it provides. Circulation wise, its helical nature allows the union of circulation systems of the W, SW and SE Polykatikias
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to bridge
to tower
PLATEA
Binding the System Together A Platea (Greek Public Square) is designed in the city block`s core and draws its energy from the occupants of the block and the surrounding street network. This space is not only intended to create a public space at the scale of the city block, but also connects the bridge with the tower interventions. As in the Ancient Agora, a circulation artery dissects the Platea.
1
2
4
8
16m
TOWER
PL
New View
Existing View
Manolis` workshop in the North East Polykatikia’s fourth floor.
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LATEA
BRIDGE
Manolis’ workshop is his pride and joy and important that we do not displace him from his personal workplace. Re-designing the back wall creates a connection to the bridge addition, so existing workshops can better communicate with the activities of the city block - allowing individual activities to act as a system.
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Diversity of People Across these transverse sections, the new architecture acts as a bridge between the new and the old. Worker spaces are not modified and people are not displaced, instead an injection of common spaces and diversification of the system is emblematic of the need for collaboration, not just in production but in the duality between new and old architecture and new/old city systems.
existing
new architecture
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existing
TOWER
Intersections The central Platea become the glue for the city block - at last, the workers of the city block have a shared common space they can call theirs. Connecting the Platea to the architecture are the Tower (academic center) and Bridge (prototyping and design center). Unlike the transverse sections which illustrate a bridge between the new and old, the logitudinal section manifests the individual architectural interventions into a unified system.
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BRIDGE
PLATEA
PLATEA
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BRIDGE
93
conference room
drawing room
group meeting
t shop
prototyping
kitchen
social lounge
bookstacks/ reading room
common workspace
meeting space
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TOWER
TOWER
Existing condition
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Proposed North facade of Tower Building
model at 1:200, viewing north
BRIDGE
Existing condition
99
New South Facade of Bridge Building and newly created seating gesturing the Platea
model at 1:200, viewing north
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North Approach to Site illustrates how the bridge intervention takes over abandoned portions of adjacent polykatikias.
ATHENS, CITY
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OF CANVUSES
TOWER
North Elevation (1:100) The Permeable/transparent North Facade allows for communication with the inner Platea (which is addresses). Thermal mass to curb overheating and glare is concentrated to the South.
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Circulation (1:100) The un-precious materiality of these models allows them to be working models as well as presentation models. The hybrid technique of model and drawing allows for investigation of 3D circulation through the system.
BRIDGE
North Elevation (1:100) North facade of Bridge addition. Illustrated is the use of walls as a platform for disseminating ideas - a building of canvuses.
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PLATEA
Existing conditions.
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PLATEA
111
Adding rather than Displacing The masterplan addresses the need to augment facilities and diversify users yet not displacing individuals from the existing system. Such a vision required a re-imagination of the city block as a collage of smaller interventions rather then a large singular gesture. The new system spans between the old - allowing existing workshops to better communicate with the activities of the city block - transforming individual activities to collective thought. Dealing with architecture in a time of crisis, resources are not wasted on inventing a new structural system. Rather, the current plaster walls and concrete frame structural system is retained and effort is directed towards re-configuring the tectonics to create a new type of communication.
Lykavitos Hill
Acropolis
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Agean Sea
Desmos: Design, Inventiveness and Collaboration in a Time of Economic Recovery