The 7th event in ek magazine’s Material Matters architecture series will take place on 16 June 2026 at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron Mousikis Athinon), Banquet Hall.

Material Matters explores the importance of both contemporary and traditional materials -and their architectural applications- through the theoretical perspectives and built work of Greek architects. Starting from each material’s history and its constructional or expressive qualities, the presentations focus on how it can be reinterpreted in today’s context, shaped by ongoing economic and technological change.

Material Matters vol. 7 is dedicated to a family of materials and applications encountered at the very first level of a building’s “reading”: the facade. This year’s edition focuses specifically on building envelopes where metal, wood and glass are the dominant construction materials. As the threshold between interior organisation and the external environment, the facade operates within complex relationships -of meaning and symbolism, but also of engineering performance. In addressing functional demands while enhancing the presence and identity of a building, it often gains a degree of autonomy as a distinct design object in its own right.

A line-up of ten speakers from the fields of architecture and design will discuss the role of the facade in architecture -through their own work as well as selected projects by other architects- in a series of engaging 10-minute presentations.

 

Speakers:

– Nikolaos Siapkaras & Anna Assana | A&S Architects
– Mathilda Beraha | ARID
– Lukas Bobotis | Bobotis + Bobotis Architects
– Demetra Katsota | Buerger Katsota Architects
– Nikolas Travasaros | Divercity Architects
– Anargyros Mougiakos | ISV Architects
– Natassa Lianou & Ermis Chalvatzis | LC Architects
– Ivy Nanopoulou & Eri Nikoloudi | Thymio Papayannis & Associates
– Eraclis Papachristou | Eraclis Papachristou Architects

Keynote Speaker:

– Massimiliano Fuksas | Studio Fuksas

 

The event is under the auspices of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Thessaloniki and the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Athens.

 

 

 

 

Platinum Sponsor: Elval Colour

Gold Sponsor: F|Nous

Silver Sponsor: Voutsadakis S.A.

Bronze Sponsor: e-dreams

Stage Design Sponsor: Rouchotas

Cocktail Event Sponsor: DIPO – INTERWOOD

Sponsors: AkzoNobel, Alumil, ETEM, Europa, ilicon, MIPECO, Nolte Kitchens, VASGLASS, Vitex

Supporters: Anegersi, Diodos, Domiki Papanikolaou, Koligas Wood Essence, Saint-Gobain Glass, TEXTURES AND TILES

Hospitality Sponsors: Electra Rhythm Athens, in[n]Athens

Wine Sponsor: Zacharias Wines

 

The 64th edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano concluded with remarkable success, reaffirming its position as the leading global event in the field of design. In a year marked by international uncertainty, the exhibition welcomed 316,342 visitors from 167 countries, representing a significant increase compared to the corresponding figures of 2025. At the same time, 1,900 companies from 32 countries participated, showcasing the image of a flexible and competitive industrial ecosystem.

The established parallel exhibitions, such as the International Bathroom Exhibition, EuroCucina and FTK–Technology For the Kitchen, highlighted the continuing importance of living spaces where industrial production, technological innovation and evolving lifestyles intersect.

Beyond product presentation, this year’s edition strengthened its cultural and strategic character. Salone Raritas hosted 28 exhibitors from 12 countries, integrating the collectible and experimental dimension of design into a broader dialogue around uniqueness and research. The masterplan for Salone Contract 2027, designed by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten / OMA, redefined the field of contract design as a complex global system, shifting the focus from the object itself to infrastructures and markets.

Finally, the sold-out event La Notte Bianca del Progetto, promoted by the Salone del Mobile.Milano Observatory, brought together 19 institutions, including major public and private archives, with more than 50 guided tours and talks, presenting over 150 historic architecture and design collections that form part of the city’s cultural heritage.

ek magazine was an official media partner of this year’s Salone del Mobile.

The 65th edition of the exhibition will take place from 13–18 April 2027.

https://tinyurl.com/ytjf4vfs

On 27 April 2026, over 2,000 guests from 42 nations gathered at the sold-out Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin to celebrate the winners of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 – one of the world’s most prestigious design awards. This year, more than 10,000 entries from 68 countries were submitted across 93 design categories. A diverse, independent jury of 131 international experts evaluated all entries in a two-step jury process to determine the year’s outstanding design achievements. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the coveted iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 Gold trophies by iF Design CEO Uwe Cremering, who personally congratulated all 74 Gold Winners on one Europe’s largest heater stages.

 

Patricia Urquiola receives the iF Design Lifetime Achievement Award 2026

The internationally influential Spanish-born designer and architect Patricia Urquiola has been honoured with the iF Design Lifetime Achievement Award 2026. As one of the most significant female designers worldwide, she has shaped the international design landscape for decades – with works ranging from iconic furniture designs to globally acclaimed interior projects. Her creations for leading global brands regularly set new standards in aesthetics and innovation. With her distinctive approach, which combines sensuality, material exploration, and technological advancement, she is regarded as one of the most respected designers of our time.

In his remarks, iF Design CEO Uwe Cremering emphasized the significance of the competition in a rapidly evolving global environment: “Despite challenging global conditions, we can report an exceptionally successful year with more than 10,000 submissions from around 4,850 participants representing 68 countries. The strong demand we are seeing in the United States, Japan, Brazil, the Republic of Korea and many European markets confirm both the relevance of our work and the trust the international design community places in iF Design.”

He continued: “At the same time, we are witnessing a rapid evolution in the role of design worldwide. Design increasingly shapes how we build the future – how we take responsibility, use resources wisely, and ensure that new technologies, including AI, serve people rather than replace them. AI does not replace design. Without design, AI reduces to leverage; with strong design, it becomes a strategic asset.”

The 3rd iF Design Trend Conference took place the day after the iF DESIGN AWARD NIGHT at AXICA near the Brandenburg Gate – once again sold out well in advance. Around 500 guests experienced an outstanding program addressing forward-looking themes in global design. Speakers included:

• Branko Lukic (Cognitive Architecture, San José/California): The value of human imperfection in the age of AI
• Borja Martinez Pérez (LO SIENTO, Barcelona/Spain): The relevance of analog creativity in a digital world
• Mouna Andraos & Melissa Mongiat (Daily tous les jours, Montreal/Canada): Redefining public space and human interaction for the 21st century
• Robert Hodgin (Rare Volume, Brooklyn/New York): The role of creativity in an era of increasing automation

 

iF Design Trend Report 2026 Released

During the Trend Conference, the new iF Design Trend Report 2026 was released and is available for free download until 7 July 2026. Now in its fifth edition, the 300page report connects crossdisciplinary design trends with the most important technological and societal developments of our time.

The report is structured around four key trend and countertrend pairs, exploring their influence on future design:

1. Age of Average – Recoupling Design
2. Comfort Culture – Skillization
3. Next Nature – Human Augmentation
4. Unfolding Cities – Urban Villages

The Trend Report includes international expert interviews, analytical insights, challenges and strategic recommendations for companies, as well as best-practice examples from award-winning products, projects, and services.

 

iF DESIGN ACADEMY successfully launched

Another major milestone: The iF DESIGN ACADEMY, launched in September 2025, has successfully completed its first year. Around ten program cycles have already taken place, all with excellent results and overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. The Academy addresses the growing need for high-level education in Design Leadership and is establishing itself as a new global learning platform for designers in an increasingly complex world.

Upcoming courses include AI Strategy for Design Leaders (1-week sprint starts 18 June, Tey Bannerman), Design Leadership for Strategic Transformation (in-person starts 10 September, in cooperation with the University of St. Gallen), and others.

Learn more at ifdesign-academy.com

A Spanish Perspective on Contemporary Architecture & Design

In a groundbreaking initiative for Greece, ek magazine was selected by the Spanish Embassy in Athens and ICEX (Instituto Español de Comercio Exterior) to oversee the complete curation of “Shaping Spaces: A Spanish Perspective on Contemporary Architecture & Design”.

Organized under the umbrella of “Spain is in”—an international campaign by ICEX promoting Spanish interior design worldwide—the event took place on June 4th at Aigli Zappeion. It offered a unique opportunity for invited architects to engage directly with 14 leading Spanish companies specializing in furniture, lighting, tiles, textiles, and other interior design elements.

Moving beyond the framework of a conventional trade show, ek magazine implemented a carefully curated, invitation-only format. The event combined product showcases with a keynote lecture, focused presentations, and a relaxed networking cocktail in an informal, creative atmosphere.

The evening opened with a welcome address from Jorge Domecq Fernández, Ambassador of Spain to Greece, who highlighted the significance of such outreach initiatives for professionals in both countries.

At the heart of the program was a lecture by renowned Spanish architect Fran Silvestre, who presented completed projects alongside the design philosophy of his firm—a philosophy that merges precision in design with technological innovation to create a continuous spatial experience. Silvestre emphasized clarity, simplicity, and dialogue as core elements of his architectural language, shaping both the aesthetics and structure of his work.

 

 

The lecture was followed by three panel discussions featuring representatives of the participating companies. Each panel focused on a distinct sector, with presentations on product identity and interactive discussions moderated by Stavros Martinos, member of the ek magazine editorial team.

The first panel, dedicated to residential spaces, included Jan Joncheere (LuxCambra), Juan de Dios Pérez Ramos (OgoFurniture), Clara Altaba (RS Barcelona), and Marcos Rioseco Castroa (a·emotional light).

The second panel explored contemporary workspaces, featuring Ivan Gimenez Soler (EcoCero), Santos De Arpe (Actiu), Veronique de Keyser (Viccarbe), and Irati Diez Olazabal (Akaba).

The third panel, focused on hospitality design, brought together José Manuel Basso (esPattio), Sheila Maestre-Arenas (Naturtex), Gerard Gonzalez Bezos (Ramon Soler), Guillaume Thomas (Vertisol), and Sandro Tothill (LZF Lamps).

More than 120 distinguished architects, interior designers, and developers attended the event. After the presentations, they had the opportunity to explore the exhibits and engage in direct dialogue with company representatives about products and projects of interest.

  

Gold Sponsor: Marmyk Iliopoulos

Silver Sponsor: GEBERIT

Sponsors: Apticon,  el greco,  Halo,  Textures and Tiles,  Vitex

Supporters: Dionyssomarble,  Furniture Gallery,  HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas,  Hatzaki Marbles,  John Papagiannoulis Bros,  Kolligas Wood Essence,  Pnevmatikos Marble,  Prodea,  Xalkis sa

Cocktail Event Sponsor: Kanelli

Media Sponsor: NEWS247

 

The 6th architectural event of the “Material Matters“ series, organized by ek magazine, will take place on Friday, May 16th, at the Athens Concert Hall, Banquet Hall.

The event is sponsored by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture.

The event is fully booked

The goal of the Material Matters events is to highlight the significance of a range of contemporary and traditional materials and their applications in architecture, through the theoretical approaches and works of Greek architects. Based on the history of each material and its construction or expressive characteristics, the presentations focus on its potential use in contemporary terms, as shaped by economic and technological developments.

Material Matters Vol.6 is dedicated to a family of materials with enduring importance for Greek architecture: Marble and Stone.
The ancient Greeks highlighted the timeless beauty and durability of marble, creating world-renowned monuments. The use of the vast variety of Greek marbles, as well as other local stones, contributed to the creation of a unique architectural identity that reflects the relationship with the natural environment, particularly in traditional architecture.

In the modern era, marble and stones continue to add prestige, aesthetics, and authenticity to both small and large-scale projects.
Ten speakers from the fields of architecture and design will analyze the role of marble and stones in architecture, both in their own works and in selected works by other architects, through engaging 10-minute presentations.

 

Speakers:

– Dimitris Tsigos | Omniview Design
– Stella Pieri | Pieris architects
– Niki and Zoi Moskofoglou | On entropy
– Dionysis Sotovikis | Workshop Dionisis Sotovikis
– Labrini Lyrou | Desypri-Misiaris Architecture
– Eleni Tsigarida | Etsi Architects
– Vangelis Bonios | Studio Bonarchi
– Natasha Deliyianni – Yiorgos Spiridonos | React Architects
– Panos Iliopoulos | Board Member of the Marble Businesses Association
– Giannis Giannoutsos | Assistant Professor, NTUA

 

Gold Sponsor: Marmyk Iliopoulos

Silver Sponsor: GEBERIT

Sponsors: Apticon,  el greco,  Halo,  Textures and Tiles,  Vitex

Supporters: Dionyssomarble,  Furniture Gallery,  HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas,  Hatzaki Marbles,  John Papagiannoulis Bros,  Kolligas Wood Essence,  Pnevmatikos Marble,  Prodea,  Xalkis sa

Cocktail Event Sponsor: Kanelli

Media Sponsor: NEWS247

 

The event is fully booked

Architectural Event

The honorary event held at the bustling “Lighthouse” of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) on December 13th, organized by ek magazine under the auspices of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, was met with resounding success. The event was masterfully coordinated by architects Ariadne Vozani, Professor at NTUA and Editorial Director of ek magazine, and Stavros Martinos, a Member of the magazine’s Editorial Team.

Maria Kokkinou and Andreas Kourkoulas, who established their architectural practice in 1987 upon their return to Athens from London, are widely regarded as two of the most significant architects of their generation. Their extensive body of work spans nearly all building categories and scales. Renowned for introducing innovative ideas to Greek architecture, they advocate for designs that are more seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric, utilizing advanced materials and construction techniques. Their contributions have transformed Greece’s urban and suburban landscapes with exceptional public and private spaces. Notable projects include the Generali offices in Maroussi, the Benaki Museum on Piraeus Street, the Shop and Trade multi-use building in Tavros, and the Cosmote headquarters in Mesogeia.

With a dynamic trajectory spanning over 35 years as well as Andreas Kourkoulas’s tenure as a professor at the School of Architecture at NTUA, the office Kokkinou-Kourkoulas Architects and Partners continues to shape the contemporary architectural landscape of Greece with the exceptional quality of its projects. The significance of this remarkable journey, along with its lesser-known personal dimensions, was illuminated during the event by ten distinguished collaborators of the firm from both academic and professional circles.

The first speaker, Yannis Peponis, Professor of Architecture at Georgia Tech, began with a reference to Andreas Kourkoulas’s PhD thesis at UCL, using it as a foundation to explore an office design methodology that links buildings to their urban context. He illustrated this approach through three built projects in Athens, where the design of their entrances serves as a key tool for understanding a broader architectural philosophy.

Nicolas Travasaros, founder of Divercity Architects, shared his experience as a young architect working in the office of Maria Kokkinou and Andreas Kourkoulas. He reflected on the invaluable skills he acquired there, which prepared him to take on equally complex and demanding architectural projects in his own career.

Ricky Burdett, Professor at the London School of Economics, shared a personal account of Maria Kokkinou and Andreas Kourkoulas’s time in London, when they studied together under the pioneering architect Bill Hillier. He also reflected on the enduring friendship they built in the years that followed.

Elli Pagalou, landscape architect, shared her perspective on her productive collaborations with Maria Kokkinou and Andreas Kourkoulas. These partnerships, which evolved into lasting professional relationships, consistently provided opportunities for dynamic and creative exchanges.

Elias Konstantopoulos, Professor Emeritus at the Department of Architecture at the University of Patras and President of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, contextualized the architects’ work within the broader theoretical explorations of their generation on a global scale. Drawing from Bill Hillier’s research on the social dimension of space and the general critique of modernism, he highlighted how these ideas were applied in the built and conceptual projects that Kokkinou and Kourkoulas developed upon their return to Greece.

Zisis Kotzias, Professor at the Department of Architecture at the University of Thessaly, reflected on his personal connection with the architects, posing thought-provoking questions about the design process. He examined the concepts that keep their architectural works “open,” and, in some ways, deliberately “incomplete,” allowing for ongoing interpretation and evolution.

Dimitris Andriopoulos, Managing Director of Dimand, a real estate development company with which Kokkinou and Kourkoulas have had a long-standing and successful collaboration, offered his insights into the role of all contributors in achieving projects of lasting impact and originality.

Giorgos Mitroulias, Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture at the University of Thessaly and a member of the architectural firm AREA, offered a fresh perspective on the work of Maria Kokkinou and Andreas Kourkoulas. Speaking as a younger architect, he explored his personal interpretations of their projects and highlighted the tools of creative dialogue, presenting an intriguing audio recording of one such discussion as it unfolded in real time.

Architect Dimitris Korres reflected on his long-standing relationship with Maria Kokkinou and Andreas Kourkoulas, which began during their student years at the National Technical University of Athens. He also recounted their collaborations over the years, especially when architectural ideas required the innovative problem-solving of an engineer-inventor.

The event concluded in a distinctive manner with Katerina Kourkoula, an architect at En Route Architecture and collaborator with Kokkinou Kourkoula Architects & Associates. Through her research into personal artifacts and archival material from the office, she painted a portrait of two contrasting yet complementary architectural personas who collaborated seamlessly, both professionally and in their personal lives.

 

Gold Sponsor: el greco gallery

Silver Sponsor: Ballian Techniki S.A.

Cocktail Event Sponsor: Alta Linea

Stage Design Sponsor: Veneta Cucine

Sponsors: Alumil,  Halo Architectural Lighting,  Europa,  Kokotas – Haier,  Luun

Supporters: Αnko Ηellas,  CORE Construction,  Dimand,  egreen,  ETEM,  inmind, KEBE, Knauf, Koligas Wood Essence, MKK Techniki, Sika, StoHellas, Vimar,  Xionas

Hospitality sponsor: St George Lycabettus

Media Sponsor: News247

 

Beauty Interrobang

Friday Matters blends the academic rigour of a lecture, the Intimacy of a friendly gathering, and the excitement of a Friday night out.

It seeks to bring design conversations outside of the conventional setting, and infuse them with a convivial atmosphere, complete with a reasonable amount of alcohol.

What are the pursuits and the vehicles of a design process? Who are the key players in defining a project’s direction, and when do those emerge? What makes a design good, beautiful, sophisticated?

By welcoming guests from various disciplines to share their insights and experiences, FRIDAY MATTERS promotes interdisciplinary exchange, enriching the design community’s perspective. In order to find new ways to communicate our ideas & values, we shift the focus away from our completed works, onto the stories & people behind them. Employing an engaging and interactive format that encourages dialogue and knowledge exchange, we aspire to create a relaxed and informal setting; to foster a sense of community by celebrating the diversity and dynamism of the design field and innovate with the event format to keep discussions lively and engaging, making each gathering unique.

FRIDAY MATTERS attempts to blend the intellectual stimulation of a design talk with the social enjoyment of a Friday night out; to initiate a dialogue on some of the most common and burning concerns of creation. Ultimately, FRIDAY MATTERS aspires to create a space where design professionals and enthusiasts can come together, share ideas, and enjoy themselves, inspiring and invigorating the design community.

Through the perspective of our guest Nikos Karaflos (CEO of Dexamenes Seaside Hotel), we set out to explore the concept of Beauty, delving into the significance of experience, aesthetics and emerging technologies, how they evoke emotion and influence our perception of beauty.

The event comprised three parts. The first featured a physical installation, a curated selection of “objects of beauty” exhibited to highlight the physical and tactile qualities of beauty. Items included a Barbie doll, surgical tools, a mirror, concrete samples, and flowers among others. As guests were greeted into the venue, they got the chance to explore the exhibits, discuss and reflect upon them, and “vote” on their favourites, akin to an auction. The audience engaged deeply with the installation, exploring the notions and metaphors of beauty each piece represented. At the end of the event, the “winner” was revealed: a pair of tall melting candles, symbolising the passage of time, the fleeting nature of beauty, and the sensory qualities beyond visual imagery, such as warmth, movement, and smell.

In the second part, our guest speaker elaborated on his perspective of Beauty, emphasising the message: “Beauty is Values.” Using his personal project, Dexamenes hotel, as a case study, he guided the audience through the qualities and ideas that shaped his business into a beloved destination. Concepts such as rituals, slowness, rhythm, and togetherness were highlighted.

The talk was followed by a Q&A session, leading to a rich discussion between guests and team members that uncovered intriguing sub-themes around Beauty. A significant portion of the discussion focused on artificial intelligence, image-based software, and design ethics.

After the talk, the conversation continued in smaller groups, followed by drinks and an energetic DJ set, marking the official launch party of FRIDAY MATTERS.

 

With the support of Marmyk, Myran

Drinks by METAXA

Special Guest: Nikos Karaflos, Imagineer & CEO of Dexamenes Seaside Hotel

Sound/Lighting Technician: Greg Magos

Music: DJ Stylobaths

Photography: Douglas Eveleigh

Video: George Kariotis

ΚΑΜ, Chania

The Centre for Mediterranean Architecture is hosting the exhibition “Un-natural Mat(t)erial—Unnatural Natural Material and Matter” from July 3 to July 18, curated by architect Andreas Theodoridis. This exhibition challenges conventional views on architecture, matter, and materiality, questioning the distinction between “natural” and “artificial” materials. The term “natural” can be misleading, often ignoring the intricate processes of extraction, processing, and disposal of materials, and failing to consider the complex realities of the built environment. “Un-natural Mat(t)erial” advocates for a more nuanced approach, where material categorization is based on factors such as energy consumption, embodied energy and carbon footprint, life cycle properties, emissions during production and application, and other relevant measures. The exhibits and lighting installations, created by Lola Ben Alon, Ezio Blasetti, Thomas Doxiadis, Yael Erel, Athena Papadopoulou, and Christian Pongratz, are organized into three thematic sections. Following its run in Crete, the exhibition will continue its journey to Athens and New York.

Triantaros, Tinos

An exhibition of works by the renowned Greek artist Sotiris Sorogas, created especially for the island, will be inaugurated on July 20 at the “Aspalathos” residence in Triantaros, Tinos. Sorogas, one of the greatest living Greek painters, has cultivated an organic relationship with Tinos, visiting the island regularly for almost half a century. This summer, a ruined windmill is brought to life through the eyes and hands of the artist in a house that celebrates art and shares it uniquely with the island’s friends, both Greek and foreign. This exhibition is perhaps the most “personal” of the many Sorogas has held -a tribute to the island that continues to inspire him. It offers a chance to share memories and discuss his enduring relationship with Tinos. Visiting hours are from 18:15 to 21:00, daily, and the exhibition will run until August 10.

iF DESIGN AWARD 2025

Following the great success of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024, registration for the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 is now open. In the Early Bird phase until June 28, designers, companies, agencies, clients, architects and interior designers as well as start-ups from all over the world can have their design achievements reviewed by an international, independent jury of design experts. They can register their work online at ifdesign.com.

During the early-bird phase, it is again possible this year to create an entry for the discounted early-bird fee and then complete it by the final deadline on November 6. New this year – and for error-free information entry – the translation function for the registration process has been integrated. In addition, more detailed and individual queries on the sustainability of the product have been developed for each discipline with a panel of experts.

First awarded in 1954, the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the largest and most relevant design competitions in the world, focusing on the innovative power of design. It is a symbol of outstanding design achievements.

Last year, 10,800 product and project innovations from 72 nations were entered for the iF DESIGN AWARD. Many participants use the iF DESIGN AWARD as a test and appreciate its high and internationally recognized value – not least because the coveted award logo is an established marketing tool. iF Design offers all award winners an international stage with many benefits that attract attention. These include the international online marketing campaign or the new, innovative iF Design Metaverse Experience. In addition, the award winners can see themselves in the new iF Design Ranking in a global comparison. As part of the iF community, the design teams benefit from events such as the iF Design Trend Conference and the iF DESIGN AWARD NIGHT.

 

The iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 at a glance:

Registration deadline:

• 28 June 2024 (Early Bird)
• 27 September 2024 (Regular)
• 06 November 2024 (Last chance – registration documents can be completed by this date)

Online Preselection:

• 02 – 05 December 2024

Final Jury:

• 18 – 20 February 2025

Awards Ceremony:   

• End of April/beginning of May in Berlin

Disciplines: Product, communication, packaging and service design, architecture, interior design, user experience, user interface, professional concepts

More Information: ifdesign.com

 

Contact for further information and images:

Joana Harmening
Public Relations

iF International Forum Design GmbH | Bahnhofstrasse 8 | 30159 Hannover

Telefon: +49.511.54224-204

joana.harmening@ifdesign.com

ifdesign.com

ek magazine is the Communication Sponsor for Arxellence 3, the new, international, interdisciplinary architectural ideas competition, organized by ALUMIL and the Non-Profit Civil Company AEGEAS, under the supervision and co-organization of the Technical Chamber of Greece.

 

Competition Theme & Location

The theme of Arxellence 3 is the “Preservation of Historical Memory & Promotion and Protection of the Special Environmental Characteristics of the Island of Gyaros.” It calls on the global architectural community to submit innovative proposals for a modern Research Centre, which will serve as a “Lighthouse” of culture, enhancing the preservation of historical memory and fostering biodiversity strategies in Eastern Mediterranean.

 

Opening Ceremony

The new competition will be officially launched on June 28, 2024, at the Opening Ceremony titled “Historical Memory meets Sustainable Present & Future“, which will take place at Megaron Athens Concert Hall. The event is expected to attract the attention of the international architectural community and aims to create a vision for a Greek sustainable future.

 

Topics for Discussion

Introducing the Arxellence Institution: the pioneering initiative of ALUMIL that seeks to establish a better “tomorrow” for our country.

A Brief Retrospective of Arxellence 2: The milestones achieved during the international architectural competition for the redesign of Thessaloniki’s decayed western coastal front -establishing an institutional framework and a series of actions for implementing the competition’s results, today.

1st Panel of speakers: Scientific Approach – The European & Global perspective on sustainable building practices.

2nd Panel of speakers: The Greek Issue – Addressing sustainability challenges in our country and discussing opportunities for change

Announcing Arxellence 3: In search of a holistic and interdisciplinary approach for the preservation of historical memory and the development of biodiversity strategies in Eastern Mediterranean.

 

Keynote Speakers

On June 28th, internationally renowned scientists and researchers will present their ideas and proposals on sustainable development and best implementation practices, aiming to enhance the quality of life and protect the environment. These presentations will address major issues facing the global architectural community, seeking comprehensive answers and sustainable solutions.

 

Secure your place

Due to the given capacity of the “Alexandra Trianti” hall as well as the high level of interest anticipated for the Opening Ceremony of Arxellence 3, we strongly encourage you to register promptly to secure your participation.

You can register by following the link: Opening Ceremony of the International Architectural Competition Arxellence 3 (eventora.com)

Architectural Event on Colour

The architectural event “Material Matters Vol. 5: Colour“, organized by ek magazine under the auspices of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, concluded successfully on May 27, 2024, at the atrium of the Benaki Museum, Pireos Street. The event attracted numerous professionals from the fields of architecture and design, who explored the importance of color in architectural design through thematic presentations.

The event was opened by Athanasios Tsoumalakos, General Manager of Eastern Europe and President and CEO of Ideal Standard Greece, representing the Platinum Sponsor. He was followed by Spyros Katopodis, Commercial Director of Elval Colour, the Gold Sponsor.

The first speaker was Marika Mavroleon of A&M Architects, who discussed the psychological significance of color in design through examples from her office and other architects. Following her, Katerina Apostolou of AKA Apostolou Colakis Architects spoke about the geometry of color. Petros Tavaniotis of Betaplan presented various color applications in healthcare and welfare buildings. Katerina Kourkoula and Hannes Livers Gutberlet discussed the use of color in selected projects, while Minos Digenis of Minos Digenis Arquitectos analyzed how color contributes to creating experiences from an architectural to an urban scale. Giannis Karachalios of Plaini and Karachalios Architects explained the rules of applying color in his office’s projects. Miltos Kontogiannis of Studiomateriality highlighted the importance of architectural color from the perspective of branding and communication. Maria Tsaftari of Urban Soul Project reviewed recent buildings and interior designs of her office, and Vana Krimnioti presented a series of journal notes on architecture and space, focusing on colors and their multiple connotations. The event concluded with a presentation by the keynote speaker, Dimitris Antonakakis, who, through carefully selected projects, showcased intriguing aspects of his research on color in architecture conducted by Studio 66, offering invaluable insights to attendees.

The event was curated by Ariadne Vozani, Editor-in-Chief of ek magazine and Professor at NTUA, and coordinated by Stavros Martinos, architect and member of the magazine’s editorial team.

 

Platinum Sponsor: Ideal Standard
Gold Sponsor: Elval Colour
Silver Sponsor: AkzoNobel
Bronze Sponsor: Neokem
Sponsors: Halo Architectural Lighting, Textures and Tiles,  Kraft Paints-Bioclima
Supporters: Fibran, Nea Polis, Prodea, Roche Bobois, Sigma Coatings, Terra Creative, Tselentakis, Verdi, Vitex
Cocktail Event Sponsor: Kanelli
Media Sponsor: NEWS247
Beverages and Spirits Sponsor: Vergina

Architectural Event on Colour

 

The 5th architectural event of the “Material Matters” series, organized by ek magazine, will take place on Monday, May 27, 2024, in the atrium of the Benaki Museum (138 Pireos Street).

The aim of the “Material Matters” series is to highlight the significance of various contemporary and traditional materials in Greek architectural and construction practices. Through theoretical approaches and built works of Greek architects, the events focus on exploring the history and characteristics of each material and their application in the evolving landscape of architecture, influenced by economic and technological advancements.
Material Matters Vol.5 is dedicated to a key feature of spatial configuration in architecture: Colour.

The application of color in architecture significantly impacts our perception of space by enhancing depth, intensity, and the significance of specific surfaces, volumes, and details. Historically and in the modern era, color serves as an architectural component that imbues a particular atmosphere, durability, and greatly enhances each project’s expression.

Ten speakers from the fields of architecture and design will delve into the role of color in their work, delivering engaging 10-minute presentations.

Speakers:
– Dimitris Antonakakis | A66 Architects
– Katerina Apostolou | AKA Architects
– Minos Digenis | Minos Digenis Arquitectos
– John Karahalios – Elisavet Plaini | Plaini & Karahalios Architects
– Miltos Kontogiannis | Studio Materiality
– Katerina Kourkoula – Hannes Livers Gutberlet | en route architecture
– Vana Krimnioti
– Marika Mavroleon | A&M Architects
– Petros Tavaniotis | Betaplan
– Maria Tsaftari | USP

 

Platinum Sponsor: Ideal Standard
Gold Sponsor: Elval Colour
Silver Sponsor: AkzoNobel
Bronze Sponsor: Neokem
Sponsors: Halo Architectural Lighting, Textures and Tiles,  Kraft Paints-Bioclima
Supporters: Fibran, Nea Polis, Prodea, Roche Bobois, Sigma Coatings, Terra Creative, Tselentakis, Verdi, Vitex
Cocktail Event Sponsor: Kanelli
Media Sponsor: NEWS247
Beverages and Spirits Sponsor: Vergina

 

The exhibition ‘A Future for the Past’ is part of a 2-year programme that aims to raise awareness about marble craftsmanship at the island of Tinos. The programme, in collaboration with marble atelier on•entropy and curator Maria Cristina Didero, brings together traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design and aims to showcase how their dialectic relationship can contribute to both social and economic sustainability.

Marble sculpting in Greece carries historical significance, as it is an art practiced for millennia and intertwined with the Greek cultural heritage. At the same time, today it can constitute a potential factor for social progress.

The research program, part of which is this exhibition, highlights precisely this aspect. Through kinaesthetic knowledge preserved across generations, the art of marble sculpting contributes to the strengthening of societal bonds within the villages of Tinos. Values such as the sense of belonging and the collective identity are brought to the forefront and consequently the quality of life improves. Especially during a period of intensive touristic development and gentrification at the island of Tinos, the empowerment of such values is more critical than ever.

The presentation of “A Future for the Past” at the Benaki Museum follows the successful installation at the international design hub in Milan and precedes a festival of marble craftsmanship at Tinos. The installation at Benaki Museum provides a unique opportunity for the museum’s contemporary greek marble exhibits to engage in a dialogue with the creations of tinian marble sculptors. These, in turn, will converse with a sculptural contemporary design object made by tinian marble sculptors.

Implemented with a hands-on, modern, inclusive and sustainable approach, this is an innovative synergy. It brings together the local and the international, and the traditional with the contemporary in the specific field of craftsmanship. The aim is that both, contemporary design and historic marble sculpting, can continue sustainably to the future, making Tinos a recognizable hub of cultural wealth.

The results of the ECCA Coated Metal Awards 2024, honoring the best applications of painted metal elements in contemporary buildings in Greece and Cyprus, were announced on April 30th. Organized by the European Coil Coating Association based in Brussels, the competition received 45 entries, marking great success in showcasing innovation and sustainability in solutions with painted metal in architecture and design.

The selection of projects occurred in two phases, with the shortlisted projects presented by their architects to the jury at a special session held on April 23rd at The K Project venue in Kifissia. The jury comprised Yvonne Barcelona, Managing Director of ECCA; Christophe Perin, VP Global Marketing of Beckers; Alexandros Zomas, Board Member of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture; Pavlos Feraios, Member of the Cyprus Architects Association; and Nikos Patsavos, President of the Department of Architecture at the University of Ioannina. The jury awarded three prizes and one commendation across three categories based on project size.

In the S category, for projects up to 500m², the Bioaroma Museum and Experience Store in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, designed by KAAF Architects, received the award. The building integrates natural materials, predominantly local stone, with painted metal elements such as the double door entrance, showcases, canopy, and outdoor furniture. The choice of colors blends the project with its environment, referencing the ground and local flora.

In the M category, for projects between 500-2,000m², the Residences 316 housing complex in Engomi, Nicosia, by Constanti Architects, was awarded. The building, balancing between the urban development pace of Engomi and the desire for privacy, features a combination of solid and perforated metal panels in different colors on its façade, expressing the unique, dual character with a continuous, flexible surface.

In the L category, for projects larger than 2,000m², the renovated Piraeus Tower, designed by PILA, received the award. The project is characterized by design innovation and practical implementation, achieving not only aesthetic superiority but also sustainability. Challenges arising from the existing structure were skillfully addressed, combining the design requirements of a multi-story building with architectural creativity, resulting in a new, iconic landmark.

In the same category, an honorable mention was awarded to The Orbit office building in Athens, by LC Architects, for the refined application of its metal elements, appropriately adapted to redefine an existing building, setting new standards for urban architecture, and enhancing the aesthetics and environment of the city.

The awards were held under the auspices of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, the Association of Greek Architects, the Cyprus Architects Association, with Elval Colour sponsoring the awards. The coordination, supervision, and design of the event’s visual identity were undertaken by ek magazine.

The ECCA Coated Metal Awards 2024, targeting professionals in architecture and design from Greece and Cyprus, are an initiative of the European Coil Coating Association. The awards aim to highlight the best-executed applications of coated metal elements in architecture, raising awareness about their significant environmental and aesthetic advantages.

Open Call for Entries

ECCA extends an open invitation to architects and designers to submit proposals of completed projects showcasing creative applications of coated metal, without any participation fee. Projects, encompassing architecture, interior design, or art installations, can be submitted under three categories: Small projects up to 500m², medium-sized projects from 500-2000m², and large projects exceeding 2000m².

Prizes and Recognition

For each category, a cash prize of €2000 will be awarded, with the possibility of additional Honorable Mentions without monetary rewards. Submissions are accepted digitally on the ecca-awards.com website, with a deadline of March 31.

Evaluation Criteria and Jury

The evaluation committee, comprising representatives from ECCA and architects, will assess projects based on their aesthetic dimension, design methodology, application innovation, and project sustainability. The jury members include:

– Yvonne Barcelona, Managing Director, ECCA
– Christophe Perin, VP Global Marketing, Beckers
– Panagiotis Tournikiotis, Vice President EIA
– Pavlos Feraeos, Cyprus Architects Association
– Nikos Patsavos, Assistant Professor, University of Ioannina

Announcement and Ceremony

Results will be announced on April 30, with the award ceremony taking place during the ECCA Conference scheduled in Athens from May 22-24. The awards are supported by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, SADAS-PEA, and the Cyprus Architects Association.

For detailed information regarding the awards and submission guidelines, interested parties can visit www.ecca-awards.com.

About ECCA

Based in Brussels, ECCA is the European Coil Coating Association dedicated to promoting the recognition of coated metal. Its mission is to advocate for the environmental, economic, quality, and design advantages of coated metal.

ECCA conducts activities to develop the market, applications, products, and metal coating processes. Additionally, it establishes quality performance standards and develops testing methods for coated metal, granting quality and sustainability marks based on ECCA Premium® Label handbook guidelines, verified by independent third-party checks. ECCA also represents the industry in engagements with public officials, authorities, professional associations, and stakeholders.

HORECA, the exhibition that shapes the future for the Hospitality industry in our country, returns dynamically on February 11-14 at the Metropolitan Expo, with more than 500 exhibitors, to be again an important springboard for the recovery of the Hospitality industry, a platform for investment but also the center of developments for the Hotels, Coffee shops and Catering sectors.

A covid-free exhibition

Safety is always our top priority and to ensure that the trade show will take place in a safe environment, we have implemented a detailed set of enhanced COVID-19 health and safety measures to ensure the successful organization of HORECA. 

Business Lab: The next day in the Hotel and Catering industry

The current trends and best practices in key areas concerning the Hotel and Catering sectors, will be presented at the stage of the HORECA Business Lab in Hall 3. Topics such as digital marketing, social media, online booking, computerization, staff training, costing, and much more, concerning the modern entrepreneur, will be analyzed by experienced and specialized market executives.

Gastronomy Forum: Sustainable gastronomy and quality of life

A series of demonstrations, workshops, and case studies will highlight the need to connect gastronomy with traditional products and local cuisines as a tool for the promotion of the Greek tourism product.

Coffee Events: Top baristas in the battle of… coffee

For another year, HORECA exhibition will host the Panhellenic Coffee Championships: Barista, Cup Tasters and Brewers Cup, organized by SCA Greece. Talented baristas will be thrown into the “battle” of coffee to win a place at the top.

Beer & Spirits Show: It’s cocktails time at HORECA

The Beer & Spirits Show as the main event of HORECA is expected to attract the interest of many visitors. Top bartenders and market executives from Greece and abroad, will present and analyze new trends and consumer behavior in the post-covid era. At the same time, the Panhellenic Championships of Greek Cocktail, Non-Alcohol Cocktail and Classic Cocktail by the Greek Bartenders Association will be held.

With the participation of leading lighting brands, such as Arkoslight, Intra lighting, Lobardo and Davide Groppi, HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas is organizing Lighting Design Week from 9.12.2021 to 14.12.2021, an exclusive event that aims to offer an exciting experience in the world of contemporary lighting, by showcasing the inextricable link between architectural form, everyday life, and lighting.

More specifically, the following themes will be covered over the 6 days of the event:

9 & 10.12 | The Intimate Side of Lighting, with speakers Anastasia Filippopoulou, Architectural Lighting, and Panos Papasotiriou of S2PiA Architects.

11 & 12.12 | Lighting Landscapes, with speakers Dr Antonis Skordilis, Landscape Architect, Doctor of Plant Ecology UA, and Thanos Danilof, Architectural Lighting Designer.

11 & 12.12 | Daylight as a Source of Design Inspiration, with speakers Dr Lambros Doulos, Associate Professor, Lighting technology in the human centric environment, and Mariza Galani, Lighting Designer.

13 & 14.12 | Lighting for Emotion, with speakers Julie Spartinou Patroni, Architect, RIBA III MA RCA Arch. BA(Hons) TEE, Katerina Skalkou, Architect MSc AUTH, MPhil NTUA, Lighting designer MA HOU, Adjunct Professor, and Christina Thanassoula, Stage Lighting designer, MA (RCSSD), BA (EKPA).

The workshops, which will be held with a limited number of participants, will be accompanied by events specifically related to each day’s theme, further reinforcing the experiential element in lighting.

The HUB, a unique space in Greece and one of the most innovative in Europe, was created by KAFKAS SA and exhibits all the innovative technologies, applications and end-to-end solutions in the field of lighting and building automation.

It is already considered a reference point and a meeting hub for architects, designers, interior designers, technical companies, end customers and investors, as well as hoteliers interested in leading lighting and automation solutions.

Notice: Due to COVID-related restrictions, there will be a maximum of 20 participants per day while a vaccination certificate and proof of identity are required for participation and must be presented upon entering the HUB.

For more information about HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas visit www.hubkafkas.com or call +30 210 9919193.

HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas

• 517 Vouliagmenis Avenue, 163 41, Ilioupoli

Tel: +30 2109919193 | Email: info@hubkafkas.com

Facebook: @HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas

Instagram: @Hub_kafkas

The architectural event Material Matters vol. 2, dedicated to aluminum in architecture, took place at the Benaki Museum in Athens on September 20^th, with great success. The event was “sold-out”, marking the restart of architectural events with physical attendance, after a long time during which all events and conferences only took place online.

The event was coordinated by Ariadni Vozani, Managing Editor of ek magazine and Professor at the NTU Athens, and Stavros Martinos, of the magazine’s Editorial Board.

At Material Matters vol. 2, presentations by acclaimed architects highlighted the importance of aluminum and its prominent position in Greek industrial production, and further underlined creative synergies between the aluminum industry and Greek architects, in a vast array of projects covering many sizes and typologies.

Specifically, Rena Sakellaridou, of RS SPARCH, presented the photographic documentation of the Element office building, highlighting aluminum applications in the facades, curtain walls and claddings. Next, Nicolas Travasaros of Divercity Architects presented the construction challenges of their upcoming office development in Athens, resolved with composite aluminum product solutions. Pavlos Chatziangelidis of 314 Architecture Studio elaborated on the sculptural potential of aluminum surfaces in their new private housing development on Athens’ waterfront; Natassa Lianou and Ermis Chalvatzis -LC Architects demonstrated the great versatility of the material in three of their projects, using aluminum either as cladding, as curtain wall or as a lightweight yet resilient structural frame. Nicolas Patsavos elaborated on the local architectural culture involving aluminum from a historical perspective, researching the Aspra Spitia industrial settlement by Doxiadis Associates, further presenting an ongoing research project involving the untapped potential of bauxite processing by-products. Thodoris Makridis of Makridis Associates and Loukas Bobotis of Bobotis+Bobotis Architects presented aluminum applications in a vast array of projects by their respective offices, followed by Angeliki Athanasiadou of AVW Architecture, who gave a detailed account of the design and development of the new terminal at Athens International Airport. The last speaker, Ilias Papageorgiou of PILA Studio, shared the ongoing façade engineering research for the redevelopment of the Piraeus Tower, scheduled for completion in 2023.

         “Material Matters” is a series of architectural events organized by ek magazine; their purpose is to highlight the importance of materials in architecture, through talks by architects who showcase creative material uses in their work.

This year’s event sponsors were: Alumil (Gold Sponsor), Europa (Silver Sponsor), AkzoNobel, Aluminco, Elval Colour, Halo Architectural Lighting, Mitsubishi Electric-Tenora Techniki (Sponsors); ETEM, Ideco, Liebherr, NEOKEM and U-Minimal have been Supporters.

Since 2019, ek architectural magazine introduced a new cycle of talks on the importance of materiality in the architectural and construction output of Greece.

“Each material has its own message”

Frank Lloyd Wright

Featuring theoretical approaches and works by Greek architects, the aim of these events is to showcase how a series of contemporary and traditional materials can convey form, function and, ultimately, meaning to architecture and design. The presentations will focus on the history of each material, its structural and expressive properties, as well as its potential for further development in the light of technological and economic change.

The second conference, will be dedicated to aluminium: This material features prominently in the Greek industrial production and presents many challenges for architecture and construction.

For your entrance to the event you can register here

Speakers from the architecture and design community will elaborate on the role of aluminium in their own work, through live 10-minute presentations.

Speakers:

– Rena Sakellaridou | RS Sparch

– Nikolas Travasaros | Divercity Architects

– Pavlos Chatziangelidis | 314 Architecture Studio

– Natassa Lianou & Ermis Chalvatzis | LC Architects

– Lukas Bobotis | Bobotis+Bobotis Architects

– Nikolas Patsavos | Ctrl_Space Lab

– Thodoris Makridis | Makridis Associates

– Ilias Papageorgiou | Pila Studio

– Angeliki Athanasiadou & Katerina Vassilakou |  AVW Architecture

For your entrance to the event you can register here

We inform you that, for safety reasons, to participate at the event you need to present one of the following at the entrance:
– Full vaccination certificate
– Covid-19 Recovery certificate
– Negative PCR or Rapid test, respectively held within the last 72 or 48 hours

With the current year close to its end, the editorial team of ek magazine selected twelve architectural projects featured in the print issues 243-253, to be illustrated on our website. Their categories follow the themes of the print edition, including houses, office buildings, interiors, and hotels.

In housing, there has been an equal representation of remarkable works from Greece and Cyprus: in Greece, the Filothei House by Divercity Architects (ek 245) and the Hourglass Corral in Milos by DECA Architecture (ek 249) meet with the House-Garden in the City by Christos Pavlou (ek 245) and the“Four Gardens” by Draftworks (ek 245). Both houses from Nicosia have also been nominated by the Cyprus Chamber of Architects as candidate entries for the European Union Prize for Architecture, Mies van der Rohe Award 2022.

This year, Athens has seen the completion of two outstanding office buildings: The Orbit by LC Architects, in collaboration with I&A Vikelas and Associates (ek 246) and the impressive reconstruction of the AGET Iraklis Headquarters by Georges Batzios Architects (ek 251), the landmark brutalist building having first been designed by Alexandros Tombazis.

The selection of new hotels in Greece includes the dynamically angular Saint Hotel in Santorini by Kapsimalis Architects (ek 248) alongside the Editor Hotel by People (ek 252), a thoughtful reconstruction of an interwar building in the historical center of Athens.

Other outstanding projects and interiors that were complete during 2020 include the IntermiΣΣion Gallery in Piraeus by Kokorelia Architects (ek 245), the Centro Ottici optical store in Nea Smirni by Mold Architects (ek 247), the Bioaroma Museum and Experience Store in Crete by KAAF Architects (ek 247) and the new Zeus+Dione Flagship in Athens by en route architecture (ek 248).

We are looking forward to an equally exciting 2021, wishing everyone happy holidays!

“ArXellence 2”, ALUMIL’s international architectural competition, was successfully completed on Saturday, November 21^st, with the announcement of the 6 prizes and 4 honorable mentions. After the first successful “ArXellence” competition in 2018, the company decided to organize “ArXellence 2”. The competition was endorsed by the International Union of Architects (UIA) and was carried out in constant and close cooperation with UIA’s International Competitions Commission (ICC Council). ALUMIL, as the organizer, ensured full transparency and implementation of UNESCO’s international standards for Architectural Competitions. The members of the international voting jury guaranteed the results, as they evaluated the proposals and awarded 6 prizes and 4 honorable mentions, according to the competition’s brief. EK magazine is a media partner at the competition.

The Challenge

ALUMIL made an open call for proposals and ideas regarding the redevelopment of Thessaloniki’s western coastal side. “ArXellence’s 2” subject was aiming to receive innovative ideas from the global architectural community about the creation of a new Central Business District (CBD). According to the criteria set by UIA, the Business District should be characterized by high energy efficiency and sustainability, redefining the west gate of the city to welcome citizens and entrepreneurs (contribution to sustainable development, social impact, economic viability etc.). The evolution and redesign of Thessaloniki’s misused western waterfront will redefine its position on the international map and improve the quality of life for citizens. Furthermore, Thessaloniki will restore its prestige as a leading city in the Balkan area, attracting investors, businesses, and new visitors.

ArXellence 2… in numbers

The participation in “ArXellence 2” exceeded our expectations: 1.464 registrations from 90 countries and 173 submitted projects. Due to restrictions that coronavirus pandemic has caused, the evaluation of the proposals was conducted online following the international protocols. The Jury examined in detail every submission entry via teleconference and simultaneous projection of the proposals created by architects around the world. The overall evaluation by the international Jury resulted in 6 prizes and 4 equal honorable mentions, meeting the criteria of UIA.

The Jury

Voting jurors

Kasper Guldager Jensen, UIA representative (Architect, Denmark)

Nikolaos Salpingidis, Alumil representative (Innovation Director, Greece)

Gabriella Carillo (Architect, Mexico)

Lauren Haiden (Architect, South Africa)

Dimitrios P. Tsomocos (Finance & Management, UK/Greece)

Alternate jurors

Sara Martin Camara, UIA representative (Architect, France)

Oren Sussman (Law & Finance, Israel)

Professional Advisor of the Competition

Evangelos Lyroudias, Alumil Consultant (Architect, Greece)

The Prizes

The 6 prizes awarded by the Jury of “ArXellence 2” are the following:

1^st Prize

Title of proposal: The Lodge

Competitor ID: d15bd86f-2938

Name of participant: Alejandro Piqueras

Architectural office: ALE Studio

Country: Spain

2^nd Prize

Title of proposal: The Green Ηub

Competitor ID: 20d6099c-5616

Names of participants: Angeliki Tzifa, Sophia Nikolaidou

Country: U.S.A.

3^rd Prize

Title of proposal: Thessaloniki Green Pier

Competitor ID: c24d129b-ca90

Names of participants: Mircea Mogan, Alexandra Virlan

Architectural office: Mogan Architecture

Country: Netherlands

4^th Prize

Title of proposal: Bioclimatic Urban Lighthouse

Competitor ID: 7fcb61a5-e4bc

Names of participants: Alberto Mizrahi, Guillermo Lesch, Osvaldo Alvarez Rojas, Valeria Franck, Federico Menichetti, Leticia Alfaro, Philippa Jane Page

Country: France

5^th Prize

Title of proposal: De-fragmenting the Productive City

Competitor ID: 6a1e10a2-7174

Names of participants: Maria Chrysoula Akrivou, Antonis Athanasiou

Country: Netherlands

6^th Prize

Title of proposal: A view of the bay – A glance at the future

Competitor ID: 5fc57b05-4a53

Names of participants: Marco Broekman, Floris Van der Zee, Martha Seitanidou, Jordy Stamps, Yunshih Chen, Timothy Simons, Marina Lysenkova

Architectural office: Bura urbanism

Country: Netherlands

Honorable Mentions

(alphabetical order by country)

Honorable Mention

Title of proposal: The Gates of Thessalonica

Competitor ID: d7633b4d-e29c

Name of participant: Ivo Panteleev

Architectural office: ADA – Agency Design & Architecture

Country: Bulgaria

Honorable Mention

Title of proposal: Ships Forest

Competitor ID: a8ef5994-ee73

Names of participants: Perraguin Olivier, Spiegelstein Jacques, Letourmy Laurent

Architectural office: hOP/ar

Country: France

Honorable Mention

Title of proposal: Thessaloniki Wave (T-WAVE)

Competitor ID: cb17c371-dd7c

Names of participants: Andrea Michelini, Jacopo Berlendis, Alberto Gasparini, Tommaso Tassi, Alessandro Bonaventura, Mauro Baessato, Rade Batinica, Antonio Spena, Carlo Leonardi, Filippo Marsigli, Roberto Franchini, Giancarlo Franchini, Giacomo Gola, Davide Cappochin, Giuseppe Cappochin, Amarda Velcani, Thimi Rudi, Charis Christodoulou, Avra Bousda, Margarita Lekka, Vilma Chastaoglou, Matteo Taramelli, Roberto Zuccon

Architectural office: F&M Ingegneria Spa

Country: Italy

Honorable Mention

Title of proposal: City’s New Pulse

Competitor ID: c981fd16-5b56

Names of participants: Esteban Colmenares, Sanhita Chaturvedi, Shashank Jain, Anshul Bhargava, Ben Kikkawa, Joao Pedro Costa, Florentina Tsakiri

Architectural offices: Studio C+C / Studio 4215

Country: United Kingdom

The outcome and future steps

ALUMIL, being a leading international company specialized in architectural aluminium systems, organized this competition aiming to share the vision of a city that improves the quality of people’s lives. We made an open call for creative and innovative ideas and we are glad that this challenge inspired so many people all around the world. Despite the unprecedented difficulties due to the pandemic, we insisted on conducting the competition by maintaining its international character. We are proud not only for the large number of proposals we received from so many countries, but also because all these submissions were evaluated by an international Jury of highly qualified professionals. We believe that an ideas competition provides the necessary expertise that is crucial for every type of spatial planning. Architectural design has the power to invoke cultural evolution, and through architectural competitions we have the chance to offer new possibilities of improvement to our cities.

“ArXellence 2” was a competition that reopened the discussion about the redesign of Thessaloniki’s urban space and created a platform full of inspirational architectural ideas regarding the redevelopment of the city’s western waterfront. But most of all, “ArXellence 2” sent a positive and confident message of hope and optimism, based on advanced urban development and sustainability.

On March 2020, two weeks prior to the first-ever edition, of the Milano Design Film Festival Greece in Athens, the festival was postponed, due to the severity of the pandemic—announcing its new event dates for: 5-8 November 2020.

In the meantime, new collaborators and supporters have emerged, enriching the pre-existing programme, and forming the first, MDFF community, in Greece. Today, the international programme of MDFF Greece–Athens, is faced once more—alongside many other cultural programmes around the world—with the pressing dilemma: either to opt for a digital festival edition presenting the entire programme online, or, to transfer it as a physical event, to a later date, once again—only this time in 2021.

The MDFF Greece–Athens team, chose a middle-way: to transfer its main event to the Benaki Museum and the Greek Film Archive for 2021 but in the meantime, it has created a pre-festival programme titled, “Design in Film around the city of Athens”, which will serve as a precursor of the main event: A prelaunch series consisting of mini-event screenings, discussions, workshops, walking tours and architectural bike routes, providing the public with a first “taste” of MDFF, for all which is to follow in 2021 during the key event—whilst showcasing a unique way of viewing and experiencing, the identity of MDFF.

Most of these activities will take place in physical spaces or in outdoor locations in Athens; whilst some will be held online.

The prelaunch mini-event series, curated by MDFF Greece, will take place in collaboration with public and private organisations in Athens, presenting a rich content of screenings, discussions, workshops, bike routes and walking tours with an underlying architectural theme.

More details: http://mdffgreece.com/en/news/

Founded in 315 BC and named after princess Thessalonike of Macedon, the sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki is a historic city that has developed through the ages. Thanks to its location at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea, Thessaloniki became a multi-ethnic metropolis. Hellenes, Romans, Ottoman Turks, Slavs and Jews passed through the centuries, leaving their mark on the city’s culture and architectural style.

The west coast, including the port of the city, used to be a manufacturing zone and is now uniquely located to spearhead the development of the city and its regeneration into a vibrant regional and international pole. Unfortunately, today the west waterfront area is an underused urban area representing probably one of the most underdeveloped areas of the city. It weakens the city’s image, livability, and productivity. Several past initiatives to facilitate the change towards urban growth and productivity have not been successful. Τhe challenge still remains.

The Architecture Competition “ArXellence 2” is an Open & Free, One-stage International Ideas Competition that aims to highlight innovative design as the ideal tool for the success of the new Central Business District (CBD) of Thessaloniki. The competition is sponsored & organized by ALUMIL – an international company based in Greece, specialized in the development of advanced architectural aluminium systems – and endorsed by the International Union of Architects (UIA). It will be conducted according to the UNESCO Standard Regulations for International Competitions in Architecture and Town Planning and the UIA best practice recommendations.

In more detail, the subject of the competition is the design of a new CBD at a wider area of 120.000 m² behind the port. The area’s advantageous location next to the city’s port, near the historic center of the city and quite close to important road and rail networks, as well as near industrial zones and logistics infrastructure, offers opportunities for sustainable economic development. Moreover, the area will be upgraded significantly upon the completion of major prospective infrastructure projects, as the upgrade of the port, Thessaloniki’s new Metro network and the potential development of the western suburban railway. Last but not least, Thessaloniki’s airport ongoing redevelopment will result (by 2021) to an expanded modern airport with a significantly increased capacity, connecting the city, further, with the world.

Thus, with the potential of redevelopment being strong, the Architectural Ideas Competition “ArXellence 2” represents a major challenge of urban regeneration. It is the first, and most decisive, step towards meeting the expectations of a new, cosmopolitan Thessaloniki. It is hoped that visionary competition schemes will pave the way for the regeneration of this decaying urban area through local government initiatives and private sector participation. Confirming its gravity and importance to the public, the competition runs under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Central Macedonia Regional Government, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the Technical Chamber of Greece (Central Macedonia Branch) and the Architects Council of Thessaloniki.

The competition started on the 9 March 2020 and the registrations will be open until 25 May 2020. The due date for submissions is on 15 October 2020. The prizes will amount to 60.000 € and the 6 winners, along with 4 honorary mentions, will be announced on 25 November 2020. The awards ceremony will be followed by a 20-day exhibition in Thessaloniki Town Hall and a similar exhibition in Thessaloniki Music Hall. To get the official UIA approved competition brief and to register, please visit the competition’s website: www.alumil.com/arxellence.

WORKSHOP: July 8 to 18, 2019 at Benaki Museum, Peiraios 138

APPLY NOW for an ten days Summer Architectural Program by email at workshops@architectscripta.com

More information could be found here.

ArchitectScripta organizes an independent Architecture Seminar that introduces participants to discussions of “Form” processing in Architecture and Art, through specialized design software and production. ArchitectScripta’s ‘Black is Dark White’ is running under the auspices of the Benaki Museum, the Hellenic Institute of Architecture and the School of Fine Arts. It is an opportunity for young architects, students of architecture and art, designers and artists.

The seminar is taught by ArchitectScripta Team Nefeli Chatzimina (AAD Columbia University, Lecturer University of Southern California, PhD Candidate National Technical University of Athens, ArchitectScripta Principal) and Nikos Papavasileiou (MSc Candidate National Technical University of Athens, ArchitectScripta Principal, Professional Degree). The attendance is daily from 10am to 5pm. The seminar lasts eleven days where each participant is attending lectures, technical courses, reviews on their personal project and at the end is taking part of an international exhibition and presentation of his or her work to invited guest crits.

Ek magazine organized on Friday, May 17th at KPISN, a conference devoted to a material that has determined both the international and the modern architecture in Greece: Concrete. This event was the first of a series of annual conferences introduced by ek magazine with the goal to highlight the importance of a series of modern and traditional materials in rendering form, function and meaning to contemporary architecture, through theory and work by Greeks architects.

The ability of the concrete to be reinforced, to produce plastic forms when it is casted, but also the different treatments it can receive, make it a protagonist of the contemporary architectural scene, while at the same time it was attributed with almost “sacred” properties. During the event distinguished architecture professors and architects presented, through their work, the way this material contributed to the expression of their synthetic approaches in all design scales and construction, and the possibilities of using it in new terms, through the evolution of technology. The event was very successful with an audience of more than 600 people, demonstrating the wide interest of the people in material poetics. The speakers were presented by Stavros Martinos, an architect and member of the magazine’s editorial team, while the general curation of the event was undertaken by magazines’ editorial director Ariadne Vozani, ass. professor NTUA, who, in her short introductory speech, set the conference’s framework.

The invited speakers in the order they presented:

• Dimitris Isaias, professor NTUA | Demetrios Issaias – Tassis Papaioannou Office
• Panagiotis Tsakopoulos, Dr. architect
• Giorgos Aggelis, ass. professor NTUA
• Laertis Vasiliou, LAAV Architects
• Maria Papagigkou, Ooak Architects
• Katerina Grigoropoulou, A Future Perfect
• Prazitelis Kondylis, A31 Architecture Construction
• Dimitris Potiropoulos, Potiropoulos+Partners
• Maria Kokkinou, Kokkinou-Kourkoulas Architects
• Alexandros Vaitsos, Deca Architecture

Gold sponsor for the event was Lafarge Beton, on behalf of which Theoni Xanthi, ass. professor of DUTH, made a short speech before the invited speakers

Click here to watch the lectures

How will future workplaces use digital communication? Is there a way to help us slow down in the era of social media? Is there a sustainable solution to end poverty?

The smartest answers to these questions will be awarded with the world-renowned iF DESIGN TALENT AWARD 2019 and win a total of EUR 20,000 in prize money. Students and graduates of all courses in the field of Design and Architecture are invited to submit their visionary ideas, free of charge, online by 31 July 2019, following the link bellow:

https://ifworlddesignguide.com/our-awards/student-awards/if-design-talent-award-2019-02