Konstantinos Dekavallas 1925-2023

Today, at a full age, the distinguished architect Konstantinos Dekavallas has passed away.

Born in Athens in 1925, he studied architecture in Athens, London, and New York. He was an Emeritus Professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), where he taught at the School of Architecture from 1980 to 1993.

A founding member of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture (HIA), Konstantinos Dekavallas was not only a towering figure in the history of contemporary Greek architecture but also a deeply beloved presence — known for his generous spirit, clear voice, and fearless expression of his views on the importance of architecture and the pressing issues facing today’s cities.

His civic engagement is evident in his many years of participation in the Association of Greek Architects, the Technical Chamber of Greece, and numerous other scientific and national committees, in many of which he held key leadership roles.

His architecture — both contemporary and modern, international yet deeply rooted in place — includes urban planning studies as well as designs for public buildings and hotel complexes. One of his lasting legacies is the Reconstruction of Santorini (1956–1960), which he undertook along with a team of significant Greek architects.

Among his many works, he designed and built residences that were highly sensitive to the Greek landscape, topography, and climate. With simple means, he embraced the essential principles of what we now call bioclimatic architecture, teaching us through his work how to dwell in this land in harmony with the environment.

Even the titles of his books reveal his character and humility: “From What I Saw and Wrote” and “Walking Through the City”, a collection of extraordinary sketches that serve as architectural records from his travels to various places.

The loss of Konstantinos Dekavallas is the loss of a true lover of architecture, and of a tireless advocate for the need for an ongoing and passionate dialogue about architecture — a dialogue he honored with his entire life and presence.

Elias Constantopoulos

President of the Board of Directors of H.I.A.