Catalogue of the 1st Biennale of Young Greek Architects

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ISBN: 960-85742-0-X
Pages: 63
Dimensions: 21×28 cm

(from the catalogue)
FOR THE 1ST BIENNALE OF YOUNG GREEK ARCHITECTS

Architecture undoubtedly plays a decisive role in our lives. By shaping the spaces within which nearly all human functions and relationships, both public and private, develop, it directly affects the quality of our daily life. At the same time, it expresses, more comprehensively than any other creative activity, the character of our culture. However, in our country, where the problems of the built environment are particularly acute, architecture rarely stands at the center of attention, whether from the state or the citizens. Of course, there are insightful initiatives and the events organized by responsible institutions are, as a rule, significant. The fact that many of these events attract large audiences demonstrates that interest, sensitivity, and concern for architectural matters do indeed exist, at least potentially. What may be lacking is a broader and continuously renewed critical dialogue, one that can illuminate the issues, elevate architectural education for both designers and users of space, and also motivate the state to assume its responsibilities in improving the conditions under which architectural work is produced.

It was the awareness of this lack that led to the initiative to establish the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, which aspires to contribute to the cultivation and development of this dialogue through a series of thoughtfully selected and well-planned activities. Such activities, according to the founding declaration of the Institute, will 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 in our country of similar foreign exhibitions combined with lecture series and conferences; the promotion of new publications and the dissemination of original research on architecture; the establishment of awards; the announcement of competitions; the organization of seminars, with the ultimate aim of fostering a broader critical awareness and sensitivity regarding the purpose, content, and proposals of architecture.” Naturally, the Institute hopes to receive both moral and material support from the state, from organizations, foundations, and stakeholders in the economic sphere, as well as to ensure fruitful collaboration with collective bodies that pursue similar objectives.

The fact that the Institute is launching its activities with an exhibition of selected works by young Greek architects is no coincidence. Promoting the achievements of contemporary Greek architecture, and especially those of young creators who, often under difficult circumstances, manage to produce work of genuine quality, is of particular importance to us. We believe that such an initiative can bring to light noteworthy projects that often remain unknown, lost among many others that are mediocre or uninspired. It can encourage architects who have only recently begun their careers and approach their work with a creative spirit. It can also raise public awareness about the value of architecture and help foster a deeper appreciation for the architectural profession within society. Hoping that we will be able to organize such an exhibition every two years and thus establish it as a regular institution, we chose to name this one the 1st Biennale of Young Greek Architects. We also decided to complement the exhibition with two public discussions, scheduled for December 8 and December 18 respectively. The first discussion, titled “Contemporary Greek Architecture,” will provide the members of the selection committee an opportunity to explain the criteria and reasoning behind their choices, while also giving the participating architects a chance to present and discuss their work. The second discussion, titled “Prospects and Dead-ends of Contemporary Architecture,” will feature invited speakers, Professors Francois Loyer, Pierre von Meiss, Andreas Papadakis, and Nikos Kalogeras, who will share their perspectives on the subject.

In closing this introductory note, I would like, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Institute, to sincerely thank all those who contributed to the realization of this exhibition: the colleagues who responded to our public call and submitted their work for review, demonstrating their trust in the Institute; Professor Dimitris Fatouros and our colleagues Nikos Valsamakis and Vasilis Grigoriadis, who accepted the invitation to form the evaluation and selection committee; our colleagues Nadia Koula and Nikos Vratsanos, who undertook the challenging task of overseeing the selection process, organizing the exhibition, and editing the catalogue; and our colleague Apostolos Vettas, who designed the exhibition space.

I would also like to thank the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, the Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Athens, and the French Institute of Athens for covering significant expenses and for their invaluable cooperation in organizing the above events.

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