Kokkinou Kourkoulas Architects and Associates

Maria Kokkinou and Andreas Kourkoulas established their architectural practice in 1987. Both having studied in Athens and London, they have since worked on a diverse range of public and private buildings, tackling projects of varying scales. Their work is regularly featured in publications both in Greece and internationally. Over the past three decades, together with their practice partners, they have continually sought new typologies, innovative construction methods, and original materials, shaping a distinctive and forward-thinking approach to architecture.

S.M: You have closely observed the rapid transformation of Greek society from the post-independence era, spanning the 1980s to the decade of economic crisis in the 2010s, all while producing architectural work. What changes have you witnessed in the perception of architecture in Greece, in its design and construction processes, and how have these shifts influenced your own approach to design?

KK: The fall of the dictatorship marked the end of Greece’s period of introversion and ushered in a new era of creative exploration for Greek architecture. Gradually, though not without challenges, Greek architects became involved in international architectural discussions and produced work that addressed both individual buildings and broader urban issues. However, the economic crisis had a devastating impact, halting this momentum and driving many of the most talented young architects abroad. Construction activity plummeted by 90%. Recently, there has been a modest recovery, primarily in tourism and, to a lesser extent, in the repurposing of existing buildings. The future of Greek architecture will depend on the country’s ability to bring this generation of architects back home and integrate them into the recovery process.

S.M: Early in his career, after establishing himself as an architect, Rem Koolhaas declared that architectural competitions are pointless. What has been your experience with architectural competitions, and how do you view his statement?

KK: Competitions are valuable, particularly because they provide an opportunity for young talents to emerge from obscurity. The OMA team, with whom we had the privilege of working in London during the 1980s, is a prime example of how competitions can offer such opportunities. However, like any competitive process, the outcome is largely determined by the quality of the judges and their ability to assess submissions from a comprehensive perspective. This is an issue we must seriously consider, particularly when evaluating the results of such processes in our country. In Greek football, for instance, we have adopted the solution of using foreign referees.

S.M: Building production does not rely solely on architects. Who do you believe architecture is truly for, and what examples from your own experience can you provide to elaborate on this?

KK: Architecture is for everyone. Throughout each phase of civilization, this “everyone” takes on a specific form. In our country, it has evolved through countless phases, where civil engineers and technicians played the dominant role. Gradually, from the post-independence period onward, the profession’s prestige began to rise. However, we must also acknowledge our responsibilities and recognize the tragic mistakes, particularly in urban planning during the 20th century, which significantly undermined the reputation of architecture.

Read the full interview at the  241 | October 2019 ek issue.