architecture of adaptation and transformation (09/2003-01/2004)

tutors: A. Kotsiopoulos, M. Papanikolaou, R. Sakelaridou, C. Connena
students: Anastasia Fragkoudi, Athanasia Spiridaki, Panagiota Piperidou

Archeological findings of great importance were discovered in the centre of Thessaloniki, Greece, sited between Navarinou square and Al. Svolou str., specifically on Apellou str. The findings are considered to be the theatre-stadium of the old city. The object of our topic was to design a small library that was based on the following building theme:
• an entrance, an information office, a small exhibition room, a cafeteria
• two administration offices, one general storage area, one book storage area
• bookstands, a reading room, a reception, W.C.
• an amphitheatrical auditorium of 80 seats
• a foyer for the auditorium
• auxiliary and support spaces for the auditorium

The basic elements that should be taken under consideration in the planning of the library were the relation between the new building, the archaeological findings and the adjacent existing edifices, as well as the planning of the backyard, which results from the opening spaces of the apartment buildings nearby and the back side of the plot of the library.

After discussing the theme with our professors and being advised by I. Poulios, a civil engineer, we decided to follow a solution for the building’s supporting system that would include two walls of steel-reinforced concrete that would be situated at the far ends of the site and would support a vierendeel beam. In this way the whole structure of the building would be supported on the vierendeel beam. An additional wall of steel-reinforced concrete was used to amplify the framework. The specific solution seemed ideal since it allowed the area of the archeological findings to remain intact of any interventions. The columns of the framework are suspended, they are not founded on the ground. A small bridge leads to the entrance of the building. The visitor is in direct contact with the ancient findings since the floor of the entrance area is laid with transparent glass. The area of the findings is accessible at lower levers through a staircase and an elevator which are situated at the backside of the plot. The vierendeel beam with a height of 2,5 m is placed on the 1st floor of the building. The mechanical installations and storage areas are also located on the 1st floor. An elevator and two staircases service the building and provide access to all levels. Their position and construction were designed, among others, with fire-proof criteria. Two ancillary staircases service the library and the auditorium area, playing an important role in the shaping of the building’s facade. The balconies and the various levels in the interior give a distinctive perspective to each space.

Perforated metal panels, glass and exposed concrete were the materials that we chose to employ to the building’s construction. These materials provided the ability to “play” with light and shadow, according to the utility of every space. Rectangular apertures of different dimensions amplify this “game”. The exterior glazed staircase, which is linked to the building through glazed corridors shapes the back facade of the building.