Catalogue of the 2nd Biennale of Young Greek Architects

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ISBN: 960-85742-5-0
Pages: 112
Dimensions: 21×28 cm

(from the cataologue)
FOREWORD

No one, I suppose, would dispute that architecture plays a very significant role in our lives, since it shapes the spaces within which social functions take place and relationships develop, and furthermore, it constitutes the most eloquent expression of the ideas and values from which it is inspired. Unfortunately, today more than ever, architecture as a creative activity is marginalized in our country. It is the duty of all of us, the public, 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 to contribute 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 generally elevate architectural education, in its broadest sense. Among the Institute’s programmatic goals, a central place is occupied by the promotion of contemporary Greek architecture and, above all, the work of young creators whose efforts deserve encouragement. It is no coincidence that the Institute inaugurated its activities in December 1995 with an exhibition we called the A’ BIENNALE of Young Greek Architects. The title committed us to repeating this event every two years, which we knew would not be easy. However, the extremely favorable reception of that first exhibition by the Athens public provided an additional incentive to intensify our efforts, so as to remain consistent. For this reason, we feel particular satisfaction in presenting, with only a slight delay, the B’ BIENNALE of Young Greek Architects.

Compared to the first, this second exhibition is characterized by three innovations, which are due to the proposals of the new colleague entrusted with its curation, Panos Dragonas. The first is that this time the exhibition revolves around a thematic axis: the relationship between architecture and the city a relationship that has been at the center of international architectural discourse for the past thirty years. The second innovation is that not only completed projects are presented, but also studies that have not yet been realized or that will not be realized. These innovations, which had, of course, been announced in the public call for expressions of interest to participate, are in a way interconnected. The enrichment of the exhibits with design proposals was indicated by the nature of the theme and, moreover, helped balance the limitations this theme imposed on participation possibilities. Finally, the third innovation concerns the composition of the jury, which we entrusted with evaluating the projects and studies to be presented. This committee, now composed of five members, consisted of architects whose ages were closer to those of the participants being judged:

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

In general, we aimed to give a voice to the younger generations of colleagues. Thus, in this catalogue, the curator was invited to elaborate on the underlying rationale, the members of the committee collectively and those who wished, individually to explain the criteria used for the selection or to present their views, as well as three young architects:

• Eleni Kostika
• Memos Filippidis
• Charikleia Chari

They were invited to express their views on the theme of the exhibition. Naturally, the same opportunity was given to any architects participating in the exhibition who wished to share their own opinions. I hope that the two public discussions accompanying 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 effort to organize this event. First and foremost, the numerous colleagues who responded to our public call and submitted their works and studies, fully aware that the number of those finally selected could only be relatively limited. Also, thanks to those who accepted the responsibility of the evaluation and final selection committee, risking the questioning of their decisions. Gratitude is also owed to the authors of the texts included in the catalog. Panos Dragonas, who took on the burden of organizing and editing the publication and the catalog, deserves every commendation 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 overseeing the project and resolving arising issues on behalf of our Board of Directors was held by the Secretary General, 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 event from the start, as well as the General Secretariat for Youth. Once again, the Municipality of Athens willingly accepted to host the exhibition and discussions at its Cultural Center. The Institute remains deeply grateful to all three institutions for their support.

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