The main concern of our ‘Neapoli-Sykies 1st Primary School and Gymnasium’ competition entry was to respond to what the competition brief described as ‘symbolic (or representational) function’.
We aimed at establishing a strong urban landmark / social condenser through the combination of an enhanced building program and a memorable architectural form at the point where Neapoli – Sykies is most visible from downtown and greater
Thessaloniki.
Thessaloniki.
Two main concepts are introduced: 1. ‘Programmatic mutation’ (describing the continuous mutation of the functions brief) and 2. ‘Compact layering’ (describing the massing strategy of the project).
‘Programmatic mutation’ is fully achieved by the addition of an exercise-and-training room suite and several adjustments made so that the ‘programmatic mutation’ suggested be fully operative.
The building mass consists of a white stucco ‘protruding prism’ superimposed on a solid natural stone ‘compact socle’, following familiar vernacular precedents and, also, the Acropolis. The ‘protruding prism’ houses classrooms and a large double-height
open-air cantilevered loggia commanding a magnificent 40-degree view, a memorable image for the complex. The ‘compact socle’ encloses several function rooms and disguises the huge volume of the gymnasium as a retaining wall.
open-air cantilevered loggia commanding a magnificent 40-degree view, a memorable image for the complex. The ‘compact socle’ encloses several function rooms and disguises the huge volume of the gymnasium as a retaining wall.
The new scheme, despite its size, has a smaller footprint of built and paved areas in comparison to its predecessor. As proposed, fulfills high standards of ‘green’ design.
