Greek modernism and more celebrated during inaugural Athens Design Forum
The inaugural Athens Design Forum invites visitors inside one of the works of Greek modernist Aristomenis Provelengios – the current home of architect Dionisis Sotovikis
![wall printing in room](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FXZP5HuW7zhF3wKTWqUSiW-415-80.jpg)
Representative of Greek modernism, architect and urban planner Aristomenis Provelengios (1914 – 1999) is a renowned figure in the Greek architecture scene. Having worked in the office of Le Corbusier in Paris, he is one of the architects that helped bring modernist architecture to Greece, and several of his buildings are celebrated, still standing in Athens to this day. One of them, a relatively compact house in the downtown neighbourhood of Kypseli, is now the home of contemporary architect Dionisis Sotovikis – and one of the key sites to visit during the inaugural Athens Design Forum this autumn.
A piece of Greek modernist history
Sotovikis acquired the building (originally created as an artist's atelier in 1956) in 2007, saving it from demolition. He operated a gallery in the space until 2013, when he converted it into his own home and workspace – still occasionally using it for exhibitions. ‘The house is one of the finest examples of modernism and an important piece of modern Greek architectural heritage, unique and different from other similar samples, due to its proximity to human scale,’ he explains. The studio building is relatively small, built in the courtyard of the artist’s adjacent residence, which dates back to 1928.
Sotovikis’ transformation of the building into domestic space was guided by a very light touch. ‘Nothing was altered, apart from renovating all mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering installations and revealing the original colours applied by the architect to the window frames and old doors, in an attempt to “peel off time”,’ says Sotovikis. ‘The house is an important piece in the story I wish to tell regarding “building time” and the connection between past and future.'
While the project has been occasionally open to the public during Athens Open House events, its participation in the first ever Athens Design Forum is a critical move in making Athens’ modernist heritage more visible and accessible to all. And Sotovikis has more in store for the future. ‘[It's still] too early to reveal [my plans], but suffice to say that it will be turned into a type of museum in the future,’ he says.
The architect, principal of his eponymous practice, Workshop Dionisis Sotovikis, regularly takes his cues from modernist teachings, having designed a slew of residences featuring naked concrete, clean, minimalist lines and an emphasis on functionality. More are underway, from a private three-storey residence in Koukaki, to a five-star hotel in Milos (Milos Cove), and a new hotel in Naxos.
Athens Design Forum
Being part of the inaugural Athens Design Forum is a chance to meet and collaborate ‘with new people, through events that bring us closer to the public, showcasing all that we love to do’, Sotovikis says. The non-profit event, the first of its kind, aims to celebrate Greek design and architecture through a series of exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and archival studies that highlight the country’s creativity in Athens and beyond. Running from 30 September – 7 October 2021, the festival is supported by The City of Athens, The Behrakis Foundation, and design guide The Design Release.
‘The first edition of Athens Design Forum brings together visionaries whose mission is to amplify the region's diverse history – bridging larger institutions such as the Benaki Museum in dialogue with designer-led initiatives by KN Group X Stamos Michael. We are a platform that aims to unify and mark Athens as both an emerging and historically established centre of creative production,’ says the Forum's founder Katerina Papanikolopoulos.
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
More highlights during the Athens Design Forum include a visit to Papagos House – the private residence and studio of iconic Greek painter Alekos Fassianos, which will be open to the public for the very first time – and a studio visit with emerging local designer Kostas Lambridis.
INFORMATION
athensdesignforum.com
workshop-s.com
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Remembering Alexandros Tombazis (1939-2024), and the Metabolist architecture of this 1970s eco-pioneer
Back in September 2010 (W*138), we explored the legacy and history of Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, who this month celebrates his 80th birthday.
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Tour House D in Athens, where interiors are peachy keen
Designed by Cometa Architects, House D in Athens is full of curvy, colourful character
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The newest Centre Point Residences’ showcase is a masterful balance of art and furniture
Conran and Partners’ new apartment design for Centre Point Residences balances artwork and curated furniture and objects to craft a space that feels intimate yet luxurious
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Sun-drenched Los Angeles houses: modernism to minimalism
From modernist residences to riveting renovations and new-build contemporary homes, we tour some of the finest Los Angeles houses under the Californian sun
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Frank Lloyd Wright architecture: from Prairie House to Guggenheim New York
Frank Lloyd Wright, hailed among the 20th century's greatest architects, has left a rich legacy that inspires to this day; here, we invite you to dive into his world
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
John Lautner’s Sheats-Goldstein Residence shows off its estate’s entertainment wing
The Goldstein Entertainment Complex at the estate of the Sheats-Goldstein Residence reveals its newest additions by the complex’s architects of record Conner + Perry Architects
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
We tour Caracas’ treasure trove of modernist architecture gems
Explore Caracas; the Venezuelan capital is full of midcentury modern and brutalist architecture with a tropical twist
By Adam Štěch Published
-
Three Object Apartment embraces raw concrete honesty in the heart of Athens
Three Object Apartment by DeMachinas is a raw concrete home in Athens, which confidently celebrates its modernist bones
By Ellie Stathaki Published