The architectural projects that are designed and implemented around us, both contribute to the shaping of our culture and determine the conditions and the quality of our material living. Yet this rarely arouses the active interest or the planned and long term support of the state. Likewise, the collective bodies representing the expectations and visions of architects, fail to develop systematic activities distinguished by the scope and the effectiveness of their approaches.
The possibility of improving the course of architecture in Greece is directly connected to the wider publication of its content and to the collective awareness regarding its goals and objectives.
The re-establishment of architecture into the center of attention, a goal that achieved better results in past decades of our century, can create better conditions for the promotion of its achievements, and also shape circumstances for a more effective intervention in the process of its production. A very important principle for this improvement is the nurturing and the development of critical dialectics along with the evolution of architectural culture.
The strong interest in architecture, not only by the architects but also from a wide portion of the general public, has already been proved by the mass participation in the occasional events that are from time to time organised in our country regarding the architectural work. This fact demonstrates both the sensitivity and the concern of the public regarding the fate of the space that is our common ground. The aim to improve the conditions under which architecture is produced, the need for its distribution and promotion, as well as the highlighting of goals that remain unfulfilled define the mission of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, which was founded on the initiative of the collaborators of Architectural Issues.
The Hellenic Institute of Architecture aims in advancing architecture in our country by actively participating in all fields capable of capturing public interest and promoting the architectural creation in our country. These activities include the systematic organization of thematic, historical or monographic exhibitions on the work of Greek architects in Greece and abroad as well as the hosting of foreign exhibitions in our country combined with lecture series and conferences, the promotion of new publications and printed works, the presentation of original research on architecture, the establishment of awards, the announcement of competitions, the organization of seminars, all with the ultimate aim of cultivating a wider critical awareness and sensitivity regarding the purpose, content and proposal of architecture.
The Institute is also interested in improving the institutional framework for architectural production, protecting the natural environment and the relation with the new constructions as well as preserving architectural heritage, both historic and contemporary, which is contributing to the overall image of our culture and is often treated with disregard.
The Institute is a non-profit, self-governing organization, funded by its members’ subscriptions, as well as support from the state, the European Union, various organizations and foundations and through sponsorships and donations.