Giorgos Aggelis – Vasilis Ghikapeppas (BLOD)

The Hellenic Institute of Architecture, as part of the 19th lecture series of Greek Architects titled “Lectures & Dialogues,” held the first event of this series on April 4, 2023, at the restaurant of the Benaki Museum in Piraeus. The event was recorded by BLOD, and the speeches along with their accompanying presentations are available at the following link:

https://www.blod.gr/lectures/dd04-aggelis-gkikapeppas/

The Lectures of Greek Architects have historically been an iconic establishment of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture (HIA). Over the past twenty years, distinguished creators have been invited to present their work. The presentation of the diverse facets of architectural practice, alongside critical discussion, has been a consistent hallmark of this initiative. The simultaneous presentation of the work of two architectural firms, followed by a dialogue between them and with the audience, is intended to spark public conversation about architecture—its relationship with establishments, the processes of its production and critique, and its multiple expressions in both private and public spaces.

The overall coordination of the lectures on behalf of the Board of Directors of the HIA was undertaken by Anastasios Kotsiopoulos (Architect, Emeritus Professor at AUTH), Dionisis Sotovikis (Architect), and Sofia Tsiraki (Architect, Professor at NTUA).

In the second lecture of the series, participants were:

Giorgos Aggelis (Associate Professor of Architectural Design at the School of Architecture, NTUA) 

ON THE COLLECTIVE IN ARCHITECTURE

The presentation focuses on selected projects from a twenty-year trajectory. It will address the methodology of design and the exploration of the collective value of architecture, emphasizing compositional gestures and choices based on the significance of architectural typology, structural system, and ground.

Vasilis Ghikapeppas / AGArchitects 

(Assistant Professor of Architectural Design at the School of Architecture, NTUA)

FROM IDEOGRAM TO SPATIAL INSCRIPTION

This is a selective presentation of projects and studies, focusing on the process of shaping the underlying idea they embody. The role of the ideogram—as a condenser of compositional intent and a mental intermediary—shifts the material handling of the subject to the level of conceptual interpretation. Genealogical origins of the idea, related to questions of place and typology, as well as the broader context, serve as dominant concepts and compositional starting points. Key concerns include the articulation of boundaries and spatial definitions, the reciprocal relationship between part and whole, the void as an organizing principle, the interconnection of areas and the handling of transitions, as well as structural composition. These elements constitute consistent tools in the development of each project, shaping the framework for meaning-making.

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Giorgos Aggelis

He graduated from the School of Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in 1999, where he has been teaching since 2013. Between 2002 and 2013, he taught at the Department of Architecture at the Democritus University of Thrace. Since 2001, he has maintained an architectural office in Athens. He has participated as a member of design teams in architectural competitions, receiving several distinctions (e.g., 1st Prize – Ioannina City Hall, 5th Prize – Agia Paraskevi City Hall). Built projects have also received recognition (e.g., Residence in Evia, Offices for a shipping company, Apartment building on Dinokratous Street – nominated for the 2015 Mies van der Rohe Awards).

Ηe has contributed to the writing of collective books and has curated exhibitions and publications. She has published theoretical articles, participated in conferences with presentations, and taken part in national and international architectural exhibitions. Her works have been published both in Greece and abroad.

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Vasilis Ghikapeppas

Graduate Architect from NTUA. Runs an architectural design office (A-G ARCHITECTS), working on studies for private and public projects. Has received 21 awards and distinctions in national architectural competitions, including 8 first prizes. Publications of both theoretical and realized work appear in architectural journals. Participated in architecture conferences and exhibitions in Greece and abroad. Architectural work has been referenced by Juhani Pallasmaa, Steven Holl, and Finn Geipel. Has won 3 first prizes in art-related competitions. Member of TEE, SADAS, EIA, EAE, and various committees.

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