Shock and awe

Students: Mirtsopoulos Ioannis, Stroponiatis Vasilis
Supervisor: Papkostas Georgios
Date: February 2012
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Faculty of Engineering, School of Architecture

The objective of this project is the design of a building characterized by monumentality, situated at Omiilos Filon Thalassis, at the seaside of Thessaloniki. In terms of morphology it is expected to be turned into a landmark, while in terms of functionality, to host civilization and design spaces, for temporary or periodical exhibitions, and other similar activities. Above all, it is a venturing serving "architecture in excess", which is expressed in every level of the design.

The design started with the dedication of a platform of 65 by 85 meters to the main entrance of the building. While the visitor approaches it, comes into contact with the excessive use of beton. More precisely, comes across with the challenge of a labyrinth, whose beginning is expected to find, in order to get into the building. The labyrinth itself does not imply the existence of an entrance. That is why the visitor has to wonder and explore the site. If case he finds it, he will be submitted to the next challenge in order to visit the towers. If not, he can rest for a while sitting on some of the urban design furniture created by the deconstruction of the labyrinth.

Excess is not limited only to the surrounding space. It continues where the visitor enters the design center. The main entrance is on the seaside level. Trying to simulate the experience of emerging from underworld, a long and narrow staircase takes you 10m under the sea surface and 5m under the sea bottom. Walking a long and narrow corridor, emotions of shock and awe will probably be generated. In the end, a huge lobby appears which hosts a regular design exhibition. Exiting the lobby, a new long and narrow corridor follows towards a sculptural form which is created by the intersection of huge beton columns which support the two towers. Behind the sculpture a shorter corridor takes you to the Fine Arts School, with studio atelier at the upper floors.

The prismatic geometry of the towers, serves our need for generation of shock + awe emotions. At their highest level, there are skylights allowing the sunlight to penetrate into lower levels. We intent to make the visitor feel depressed and captured among beton walls, testing his fears and limits. Similar emotions are generated visiting various balconies either in the interior or the exterior, which give you the impression of suspension.

The activities hosted are distributed to different levels, giving the opportunity to the visitor to be isolated depending on his tastes and needs. Lower levels host activities of public character, like library and conference center, while upper ones activities depending privacy are hosted. At the top of the towers, there are balconies offering tremendous perspectives and view towards Thermaikos gulf or city of Thessaloniki.