2nd Biennale of Young Greek Architects

No one, I suppose, would question that architecture plays an extremely important role in our lives, as it shapes the spaces within which the functions and relationships of social life unfold. Moreover it constitutes the most eloquent expression of the ideas and values by which it is inspired.Unfortunately, however, now more than ever, architecture as a creative activity is marginalized in our country. And is the duty of all of us – the public, the architects and of course the state – to restore it to the position it rightfully deserves. The Hellenic Institute of Architecture was founded with the sole ambition of contributing to this restoration by organizing events that could help stimulate interest in architectural design, foster critical dialogue on issues of architectural theory and practice, and, more broadly, elevate architectural education in the fullest sense of the term. Among the Institute’s stated goals, a central place is held by the promotion of contemporary Greek architecture — and above all, the work of young creators, whose efforts deserve to be encouraged. It is no coincidence that the Institute launched its activities in December 1995 with an exhibition we titled the 1st Biennale of Young Greek Architects. The title itself committed us to repeating the event every two years — something we knew would not be easy. However, the overwhelmingly positive response from the Athenian public to that first exhibition gave us further motivation to intensify our efforts and remain consistent in our commitment. That is why we take particular satisfaction in presenting, with only a few months’ delay, the 2nd Biennale of Young Greek Architects.

Compared to the first, this second exhibition is marked by three innovations, which stem from proposals made by the new colleague we entrusted with its curation, Panos Dragonas. The first is that this time the exhibition revolves around a central theme: the relationship between architecture and the city – a relationship that, for the past thirty years, has been at the spotlight of international architectural discourse.  The second innovation is that not only completed projects are presented, but also designs that have not yet been realized – or may never be. These innovations, which were of course announced in the public call for expressions of interest, are in some way interconnected. The inclusion of design proposals among the exhibits was suggested due to the nature of the theme and, moreover, helped to balance the limitations that the theme itself imposed on the possibilities for participation. Finally, the third innovation concerns the composition of the committee to whom we entrusted the selection of the projects and studies to be presented. This committee, now expanded to five members, was composed of architects who were closer in age to those being evaluated:

• Nikos Τheodosiou
• Kalliopi Kontozoglou
• Agni Kouvela 
• Christos Papoulias 
• Dinos Spyridonidis

In general, we sought to give voice to the younger generation of colleagues. Thus, in this catalogue, the curator was invited to present his curational rationale, the committee members collectively – and for those who wished, individually – explain the criteria behind the selection process or to share their views, as well as three young architects:

• Eleni Kostika
• Memos Filippidis 
• Charikleia Chari

who were invited to express their opinions on the theme of the exhibition. Of course, the same opportunity was given to any of the participating architects in the exhibition who wished to express their own views. I hope that the two public discussions that will accompany the exhibition will complement these written contributions with a lively dialogue. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Institute, I would like to warmly thank all those who contributed to and supported our efforts to carry out this event. First and foremost, the numerous colleagues who responded to our public call and submitted their projects and studies, fully aware that the number of those ultimately selected would necessarily be relatively limited, as well as those who accepted the responsibility of serving on the committee for evaluation and final selection, risking the questioning of their decisions. Thanks are also due to the authors of the texts included in the catalogue. Panos Dragonas, who took on the responsibility of overseeing the organization of the publication and the production of the catalogue, deserves every praise not only because he worked with enthusiasm, but also because he decisively contributed to the conception and design of the entire undertaking. The responsibility for monitoring the project and resolving arising issues on behalf of our Board of Directors was held by our General Secretary, Elias Constantopoulos. His contribution was essential to the successful completion of the effort. The 2nd Biennale of Young Greek Architects would have been impossible to realize without the financial support of the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Public Works, which has supported the institution from the start and the G.S. of Youth. Once again, the Municipality of Athens willingly agreed to host the exhibition and the discussions at its Cultural Center. The institute remains grateful to all three organizations for their support.

Savvas Kontaratos
President of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture.

Curation:
Dragonas Panos 
Constantopoulos Elias

Organizational Support:
Foutrou Iro

Partner Organizations:
Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works 
Municipality of Athens
G. S. for Youth