Customer: InCommOn
Architectural design/ interior design : Lampros Antaras, Sofia Chatzigeorgiou
Supervision: Lampros Antaras, Irineos Sapounas, Sofia Chatzigeorgiou
Project location: Agias Sofias 105, Upper city, Thessaloniki
Building area:: 220,00 m2
Design – Construction : 2020
Photo credit: CAN studio
Located in the neighborhood of Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, this ground floor space of 220 sq.m. was designed and built to house the “Kyklos” project of the urban non-profit company InCommOn. The group’s goal is to promote sustainable and participatory urban development and to address environmental challenges in modern Greek cities.
The “Kyklos”, meaning circle, in addition to the name of the project, is also the shape that defined the design as it implies the concept of reuse, recycling and the way the group makes decisions. As one enters the building entrance the team logo appears in fragments, on the walls, on beams and the ceiling, over columns, but as one moves closer towards the depth of the open space, the shape of the circle gradually forms in unity and from a certain point of view one can find themselves actually participating in a visual game.
The overall focus of the design was the need to create a versatile space that would be able to house a variety of functions (seminar space, exhibition space, offices and event space) in conjuction to each other yet distinct, with easy access for all citizens. The basic criterion for choosing the materials was their low environmental footprint (eg osb boards and carpentry scraps).
The composition highlighted interesting architectural elements, such as the high-ceiling section featuring the large glazing and the free columns in the center, around which the various functions were organized, thus creating an internal “square” with intense natural lighting, for hosting events that reflect the group’s extroverted intent.
The versatility of the space was achieved through the specially designed furniture which provide transformative options so that it can serve the particular needs of each activity. With the proposed subtle yet crisp interventions, this space functions as a neutral and fresh canvas for the creative moods of the community.
