Xeniastos Kosmos | Learning Center in Patra

Authentic character

In the heart of Patras, within a 1970s building, lies the new home of “Kseniastos Kosmos” -a learning center that breaks away from conventional norms, designed to spark positive and inspiring emotions in the children who visit.

 

Renovation Philosophy

The architectural study focused primarily on transforming the building’s interior to accommodate its new use, while respectfully preserving its original character. The existing spatial layout was maintained, with each former room reimagined as a distinct functional space. A central design move was the preservation and celebration of the original decorative mosaic floors. These were thoughtfully integrated into the new architectural language as elements of memory and aesthetic continuity. Each room’s color palette was carefully selected in dialogue with its respective floor, enhancing the individuality of each space and creating varied atmospheres for both students and educators.

 

Exterior shell & spatial organization

On the exterior, the design places emphasis on a sensitive color study aimed at preserving and highlighting the building’s original form and materiality. The existing window frames were retained, the stone-clad base visually emphasized as a distinct material layer, and the building’s typology reinforced through careful detailing.

The entrance is distinguished by the preserved original metal door, which now serves as a key architectural reference point. Its integration into the new design honors the building’s structure while enhancing the overall visual coherence. All rooms are accessed via a central corridor which, immediately following the entrance, assumes a secondary function as a waiting area for parents and visitors. A bold stroke of orange on the ceiling of both the entrance and corridor unifies these shared spaces and completes the chromatic composition of the interior.

 

 

Color Palette & Custom Elements

At the back of the building, the courtyard has been cleared and landscaped to offer a pleasant break area. Climbing plants now line the perimeter, while the existing metal staircase leading to the rooftop has been painted in a vibrant orange -highlighting its contemporary, additive presence and creating a visual anchor from within the interior. Through subtle yet impactful interventions, the center has been redefined both functionally and aesthetically  revitalized while honoring the unique identity of its architectural shell.