Doxiadis+ is an architecture and landscape architecture consultancy founded in Athens in 1999 by Thomas Doxiadis, one of the pioneers in this field when landscape architecture was virtually unknown in Greece. Over the past two decades, the firm has experienced significant growth, building a dedicated team of 30 specialists and earning international recognition. Through its projects, doxiadis+ has played a key role in shifting public perceptions of landscape architecture. The firm’s approach seamlessly integrates practice with research, guided by core principles that have been fundamental since its inception: ecology, biophilia, and people-centered design.
S.M: With a background in architecture from your early studies, when did you first discover landscape architecture, and how soon did you decide to explore the opportunities it presented?
T.D: I began my studies in architecture at Harvard, where the department was closely linked with landscape architecture. As I observed my fellow students working, I found their creations and forms more intriguing than what I was doing as an architect. After completing my degree, I decided to pursue landscape architecture, even though at the time, most people had little understanding of the field. This fascinating discipline offered me a deeper insight into the symbiosis of species, the significance of biology and ecology, and a more holistic perspective on the planet’s ecosystems.
As an architect, I have a desire to build, to create structures that endure long after I’m gone, since architecture often seeks to leave a monumental legacy. However, as a landscape architect, I recognize the beauty of landscapes and how they are impacted by construction. From this perspective, the less we intervene in the landscape, the more harmonious our relationship with it becomes. At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge that landscapes evolve over time -they are living entities, made up of organisms, including us. To live in harmony with nature, we must respect its dynamic, ever-changing nature.
S.M: What led you to choose Greece as your base, especially at a time when landscape architecture was largely unknown? How have your clients evolved since then, and how have you changed?
T.D: Until recently, the combination of landscape architecture and traditional architecture seemed almost prohibitive. When I returned to Greece from the US in 1997 and spoke about landscape design, I was often met with astonished looks, as if people didn’t quite understand the concept. However, over the past 20 years, there has been significant progress on many fronts. At every step, doxiadis+ has played a key role in shifting this mindset, both through our projects and the lectures we give in Greece as well as internationally.
Let me share a personal example: During the 2004 Olympics, I worked on the Organizing Committee as the Green Officer and Director of the City Image Sector. Before 2004, it was common for municipalities to plant palm trees everywhere, but soon after, they shifted towards planting olive trees. In the early days, sustainability and landscape architecture may have seemed like a distant vision or even a luxury at the office level. However, we have since built strong relationships with major companies in Greece, as well as with both Greek and international private clients. We now undertake projects such as the Elliniko Metropolitan Park, the redevelopment of industrial areas, urban regeneration, the creation of public spaces, and holiday homes.
S.M: Which projects do you consider as milestones in your career and why?
T.D: The project I’m most proud of is building a team of passionate, skilled collaborators based in Greece, with whom we are establishing global leadership in ecological architecture and landscape design. One of our flagship projects is Landscapes of Cohabitation -350 acres of stunning Cycladic landscape with villas in Antiparos, which began in 2000 and is still ongoing. At the time, using native plants drew curious looks. This project has given us the opportunity to deeply explore the relationship between humans and nature across space and time, while conducting research and experiments that have honed our expertise. As a result, it has earned several international mentions, including being a finalist for the prestigious Rosa Barba Prize for landscape architecture, and has been featured in the Financial Times.
Unfortunately, in Greece, there is a mindset where “green” is viewed as merely an addition. As architects and landscape architects, we design everything from buildings to urban spaces, parks, and gardens and treating space, concrete, stone, water, plants, and people as interconnected elements of a living environment -especially in the face of climate change. With this approach, we are considering a series of projects in Athens, where targeted efforts through specific initiatives aim to deliver significant results in both ecology and quality of life.
On Strefis Hill, we preserve all existing elements, adding only what is necessary to make it more vibrant, healthy, beautiful, and accessible for all ages. In our Elliniko projects -such as the Marina Tower, streets and sidewalks, small squares, and the first phase of the Metropolitan Park- we are exploring how the city of the future can be more humane and ecological. At Plato’s Academy, we are discussing how an archaeological site can also function as a neighborhood park, and how the ancient can harmonize with the present.
Read the full interview at the 265 | March 2022 ek issue.