Museum of Contemporary Art at St. Spiridona Square in Pangrati, Athens

Remodelling and Extension of a Listed Building to House a Museum of Contemporary Art at St. Spiridona Square in Pangrati, Athens, 2009
The refurbishment of an existing, listed building with historic morphological elements, and the simultaneous design of a modern expansion, was attempted in this project, so as to host a single functional program of special nature and requirements. The new Museum of Contemporary Art is developed following the contour of the listed building and in its lateral expansion. The storeys above were designed in recess from the outline of the listed building, forming a distinguishable volume with a rather minimal architectural style. The shell of the new wing is clad by alternating large and narrow marble plates with integrated clerestory windows in form of slots that disperse diffused natural light into the exhibition areas. The exhibition program is combined with the educational character, a prerequisite of the concept of any contemporary museum, with a library, a lecture hall, a video room and a workshop for children. The administration offices are on the top floor while the restaurant-café is close to the entrance level with access to the outdoor protected backyard. The museum’s foundation took on the remodeling of the adjacent square and the surrounding green areas. (text: Alexis Vikelas)