GFRA Architects

GFRA architecture was founded in Athens by architects Tasos Gousis, Joost Frijda, and Eddy Roberts, with Fotini Anagnostou also being part of the team. The international character of the office leads to a constant search for new ideas and forms, both in large- and small-scale buildings, while aiming to bring a “European spirit” into architecture. Through a realistic approach and close collaboration with engineering consultants, while also giving particular importance to the wishes and needs of the client, the office’s goal is to elevate the quality of design and architectural technology to the highest possible level.

S.M.: You founded your office in Greece just before the economic crisis and have followed the development of domestic architecture up to today, with your roots, however, being abroad. What, in your view, has changed between the “before” and the “after”?

GFRA: Architecture after the economic crisis has been upgraded. We see an improvement in the quality of design as well as construction, with the aim of achieving competitiveness and a more organized and comprehensive design process, in order to better control each project’s budget. It is also important that, after the crisis, the idea of “star architects” was abandoned, as they were considered a “luxury,” and room was given to younger professionals to emerge and develop. Moreover, for reasons of economy, the concept of reuse emerged, giving a major impetus to renovations and allowing these young architects to propose fresh, innovative ideas.

S.M.: You have implemented several embassy projects, starting with the Dutch Embassy. How did you process the elements that differentiate an embassy from a typical office building?

GFRA: An embassy could be treated as an office building, but it has some important particularities. First of all, an embassy expresses its country’s need for representation. Therefore, its building must somehow showcase its “national identity” through distinctive elements chosen from its tradition, culture, and customs. For this reason, research in various fields is necessary: architecture, art, literature, fashion, food, etc. These elements are simplified, analyzed into forms, words, and colors, and then serve as inspiration for design -either used directly or translated into architectural terms. Another particularity of an embassy compared to a standard office building is that it must be immediately accessible and open to the public, while at the same time complying with specific security and control requirements.

S.M.: School buildings are a typology you have studied extensively, either in competitions or in built projects, though not in Greece. What led you to undertake such projects abroad, and what would you like to see in a school building here?

GFRA: We designed and supervised the construction of a school complex in Durrës. It was a project we undertook with great enthusiasm, partly because designing for children is in itself a highly engaging subject, and partly because Albania did not have what Greece has: a fixed formula, a set typology for school buildings. Of course, there were older schools, but the country was in a phase of regeneration and development, remaining open to any new idea or innovation. Thus, we found fertile ground to realize our vision of educational architecture -principles we would also like to see applied in Greek schools. We imagine a friendly and comfortable interior, with bright and airy spaces, pleasant for students.

After the crisis, the notion of “star architects” was abolished, as they were considered a “luxury,” and space was given to younger professionals to emerge and evolve. In addition, for reasons of economy, the concept of reuse developed, giving a significant boost to renovations. In such schools, more functions are incorporated than the standard ones: laboratories, libraries, a cafeteria, and multipurpose halls equipped for events. Break areas include comfortable seating and play spaces, while the schoolyard is not limited to a sports field but also features planting and a garden. Naturally, the building should be easily accessible to everyone and apply the principles of bioclimatic design. Ultimately, the school itself can function as a landmark of the neighborhood, expressing its role not only as a place of education but also as a hub of social integration.

Read the full interview in ek issue 289 | July-August 2024.