Status: Realised
Year: 2021
Location: Athens, Greece
The project for the redevelopment of Aischinou Street in the center of Athens was assigned by the Onassis Foundation. It is located in a unique historic settlement. A narrow alley that connects with the main artery of Vasilissis Amalias Avenue and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with the pedestrianized Dionysiou Areopagitou Street by Dimitris Pikionis, as well as with the traditional settlement of the Plaka neighborhood. At the same time, Aischinou Street—named in honor of the philosopher Aischinos—features several historical buildings owned by the Onassis Foundation. Specifically, along its way there is the Cavafi’s Museum, the artistic stage called "Perivoli tou Ouranou," and several Foundation's activities. This culturally rich context should be recognized as a project of significant public interest. Since Aischinou Street is an inward-facing location, it was crucial for the intervention not to compete with the grandeur of the area but rather serve as a natural continuation of its historical significance within the framework of the contemporary era. The urban intervention intends to blend the old with the contemporary and create a multi-level historical narrative. It is developed through two design lines: the pedestrianization of the street and the chosen artistic installation. The choice of paving material reflects the notion of a more traditional and unrefined urban aesthetic, that will contrast with the more defined pieces of art, aiming to establish a street with light traffic and foster vibrant pedestrian activity.
In the pursuit of an unobstructed connection between visitors and the Onassis Foundation properties, as well as the surrounding settlement, the study for the unification of all key elements goes beyond the purely architectural aspect. The public space remains vibrant and open for visitors to experience and learn from. To this end, original artistic interventions are strategically placed with care and respect for the settlement. Elements that contribute to a strong experience include verses from Cavafy's poems, songs from "Perivoli tou Ouranou," and sayings from the ancient philosopher Aeschines. With a focus on public space, the redevelopment of Aischinou Street becomes a significant landmark in Athens' cultural and artistic journey, serving as a hub for attraction, promotion, and expression of the Foundation's activities.