Barcelona 2011 - Tower in Gothic Quarter - Bohemian Hostel (competition entry)

The entry for the ARQUITECTUM competition for a 100-meter tower/hostel for backpackers. The site for the competition is located in the Plaza del MACBA, near the Museum of Contemporary Art designed by Richard Meier.

The proposition takes into acount three major axes orientated in three different directions, Sagrada Familia, Plaza dels Angels and the seafront. These axes target three different views within the city, thus providing the option for a rather diverse experience.

Following the desire for unhidered view, the common living spaces (lounge, dining, bar, kitchen etc) cover the lower levels of the building, while the acommondation compartments are pushed vertically, offering breathtaking views.

 The rooms are designed as single-volume units inserted in a large frame structure, a giant "scaffold", which evolves independently and follows the intention to form spaces with no columns within the tower. The merging of the strict box compartments with the more "sculptural" exterior provides diversity and interesting viewing areas between (or above) the compartments.

The external epidermis is also holded by the frame and it is a perforated lattice that permits or obscures the view of the inside, as well as the sunlight coming through, depending on the density of the perforation. 

The perception of the building changes during the day: a semi-transparent monolithic prism during daytime, an "x-rated version" during the night, when it is lit internally.
The overall design of the tower aims to fulfill its goal as a unique landmark, which is, at the same time, permeable, open and inviting.

final renderings and  presentation of the entry
presentation completed in April 2011
architects: Papaioannou D. & associates, Fotopoulou Fereniki, Bourantas Christos

Ateneo De Madrid (competition entry)

The entry for the competition organised by OPENGAP in 2010, for the renovation of the Hall of the Ateneo building located in Madrid.

The solution attempts to serve two basic conditions, preservation and alteration, "through a single architectural gesture". The primary solution is a fully glazed enclosure that, "like a candy wrap", covers the space allowing unhindered display of the underlying architectural elements, as well as "distorting" them, through its prismatic and fragmented structure. The overall light of the hall reflects on the glass, creating spatial kaleidoscopic effects. This new fabric is a non linear arrangement, consisting of various-sized glass polygons glued together, and it is self load bearing, so it does not damage permanently the existing interior and allows reversibility.

Via the use of liquid crystal technology and electrocromic layers, the glass surfaces can also perform as "intelligent facades", changing opacity and color, depending on the particular use of the Hall, thus altering dramatically the mood of the space and the way the it is perceived. The informational/communicational part is also supported by LED screen technology, sound devices and projectors (updated real time via net), that highlight ongoing events and other information about the place.

The convertion of the central staircase into a floating glazing, with each riser covered with a LED strip, makes it resemble a huge screen, which is visible from the street level outside, thus attracting the eye and inviting public's curiosity.

final presentation and renderings of the entry
presentation completed in March 2011
architects: Papaioannou D. & associates, Fotopoulou Fereniki, Bourantas Christos