Kolonaki Square, 3rd Prize in Architectural Competition

Year of design

2023

Location

Kolonaki, Athens

Area

4.500 m²

Design Team

Athina Athanasiou, Chrysanthi Bouraza, Efstathios Chliaoutakis, Vasiliki Mantelou, Thessalia-Dimitra Skylodimou, Georgia Soultana

Category

Competition, Landscape

 

In this competition, the primary goal is to create a multifunctional public space that respects the site’s geomorphology while enhancing urban life.

 

The design introduces a gathering plateau for hosting activities, which is rotated relative to the square’s boundaries and aligned with the symmetry axis of the metro station, emphasizing its new function. The metro station entrances play a key role in shaping spatial organization and pedestrian flows. The station’s staircases are designed as an extension of the plateau, creating the impression of emerging from the ground. A metal structure on the north side accommodates movement from the metro staircases, marking its entrance while also serving as an access point to the square from the northern streets. The design ensures smooth movement around the plaza despite elevation differences, emphasizing accessibility for all.

 

A water route follows a north-south axis along the terrain’s natural slope, linking the two corresponding corners. Along its path, integrated water elements enhance the experience, while at the center of the main plateau, water jets contribute to microclimate improvement through evaporation during the summer months. A rainwater collection tank irrigates the square’s planted areas and, in extreme weather conditions, gathers surface runoff before channeling it into the drainage system.

 

A city-nature duality is established between the northwest and southeast sections. The landscape design features Mediterranean gardens with a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, and aromatic plants. Tall trees provide shade in summer while allowing sunlight in winter. Sustainable, permeable materials are used to ensure year-round functionality.

 

Traffic modifications prioritize pedestrians by reducing road widths, creating bicycle lanes, and discouraging illegal parking while maintaining essential traffic functions.