ONASSIS CULTURAL CENTRE

SGT ONASSIS CULTURAL CENTRE / George Fakaros Photography/Greece

The project calls for the redesign of the entrance and lobby spaces of the Onassis Cultural Centre, a new cultural hub in Athens designed by Architecture Studio. The Centre hosts events across the whole spectrum of the arts from theatre, dance, music, the visual arts and to the written word, with an emphasis on contemporary cultural expression, supporting Greek artists and cultivating international collaborations as well as educating children and people of all ages through life-long learning. Our design strategy transforms the lobby space into a 'shelter' (a 'stegi' In Greek) in the city: a space that can work in addition to the formal programme of the Cultural Centre. A series of bespoke installations wrap around the building's existing structural elements and spark a dynamic relationship between the three key characteristics of the shelter; the physical space, the digital experience and a series of specially curated wrap-around events. One is dedicated to showcasing portfolios of young creatives, another becomes a pop-up store curated by Yatzer's chief editor Costas Voyatzis, while a third takes the more humble role of providing a meeting corner. The aim is to create a vibrant all day hub that will appeal to the Onassis Cultural Centre's ever increasing dynamic and diverse crowd. The design of these new installations is inspired by the distinct language of the existing facade. The white marble louvres on the exterior (by Architecture Studio) are kinked to form the structures that wrap around the lobby's existing elements. They are carefully choreographed in response to the existing building and to the flow of people to provide areas of rest and pause as well as cater for their main functions, which include the ticket desks, info points, signage, video walls, etc.

by DIVERCITY 

Location: Athens, Greece
Client: Arion Hellas SA
Project Status: Complete, 2014
Collaborators: Codica, Digital Design
Double Decker, Curating agency
Manos Vordonarakis, industrial design consultant

photography © GEORGE FAKAROS