Μemory hole

Architects: Kanellos Nestoras, Moras Antonios, Pavlidou Despoina, Sakkas Athanasios
Honorable mention.

The dimensions of Theatrou square are quite small even for the 19th century standards. Taking under consideration the urban growth of Athens, the design area could be better understood as a closed square or as the inner yard of a thematic outdoors superstructure. Refusing the entrance to all vehicles and by investing to public equipment that focuses on rest areas the square transforms into a unity that resembles a thematic superstructure.

By investing to leisure, commerce, food markets and take away food we succeed in connecting the two squares both conceptually and strategically.  

We propose a white mosaic to be used as the basic material for the public space, which is a reference to the high number of diverse cultural characteristics found in the area. The oversized bumps refer to the neoclassical square gravels while the choice of the white color is made bearing in mind the need for a ground that enlightens cultural differences while it transforms the kinaesthetic qualities of the whole area.  

The use of white aluminum at the facades targets in the diagrammatization of each single building towards an urban unity that does not compete with the historical buildings nearby (Diplareios school). In an attempt to emphasize human scale, pictures of theatrical plays that evolve around a table are applied via plastic coating to the window panes situated in the arcades. The arcades are lit by hanging bulbs that refer to the characteristic lighting units used at Varvakeios market for decades.  

 In order to enrich public space the central space of the square is organized around an artifact (infodesk) of multiple uses and functions that is located over the ‘memory hole', an archaeological excavation that brings forth the ancient wall of Athens.

The infodesk exists in the in-between the analog and digital as it functions both as a common meeting or eating table and as a wi-fi spot and a Bluetooth viral station that offers historical info about the site of Theatrou square.  

The generic and simple design of the desk in the middle of a theatrical-like scene functions also as a reminder of the rich history of the square and as a field for art performances.
The central location of the square provides an ideal spot for hotels and hostels.  

The continuation of the land uses found at the neighbouring squares could prove rejuvenating for the whole area cause by these means the character of the area will be supported and capitalized. The monopoly of a single use could only be faced with the diffusion of uses vertically in means of a vertical zoning.