OVERVIEW

Following ZOIA’s invitation to submit a design proposal in a closed competition between well-known Greek firms, A&M was selected to carry the radical renovation of a 4-storey office building on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue in the heart of Athens. With the aim of incorporating a contemporary face to a building that communicates with the Historical Center of the city along with all the surrounding archaeological monuments, a new façade was designed to coexist harmoniously with the location’s rich history and its surrounding historical elements. Originally constructed in 1977, the property consists of 4 stories and 2 basement levels and rooftop with a panoramic view to the city.

With A&M’s proposal focusing on the development of the building envelope, the characteristics of the new façade emphasize on preserving the transparency to ensure the panoramic view to the neighboring historic center, the Olympian Zeus pillars, and the national park. To filter natural lighting and protect the building from strong sunlight, a second skin using the proportions of the “golden ratio”, explicitly created to embrace the communication with the ancient monuments of the area while honoring the memory of the original architectural language of the 70’s.