CULTURE

Faliro cultural complex to boast pier and landing

An architectural competition launched by the Environment Ministry for the creation of a landmark at the Faliro Delta cultural complex that is currently under construction with funding from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation concluded recently. The winning design is for an elegant pier that will extend into the water and end in a 20-meter-high cube-shaped structure with a shaded deck and a landing for small vessels, and, on a second level, a restaurant with a panoramic view.

The proposal belongs to Konstantinos Pantazis and Marianna Rentzou of Point Supreme Architects.

The contestants were asked to design a 100-meter-long pier ending in a 2,500-square meter platform. The concept also had to include revenue-raising ideas.

?We began by separating its different functions because we wanted the public to be able to use it without having to pay,? Rentzou explained. ?On the top tier, 11 meters above sea level, we have a restaurant and cafe with a panoramic view of Faliro Bay, while above that there is a large canopy that provides plenty of shade for the entire structure.?

The main component of the concept is a dock for sea transportation services that will be run by the cultural complex in order to provide a more pleasant means of arrival for people visiting the public library, opera house and other venues that will be housed there. There will also be small ferry boats that will not only be used as transport but will also host cultural events as well.

?The situation is certainly difficult,? says Pantazis about the crisis. ?Yet the crisis is an excellent opportunity to take a fresh look at Athens: first because its crazy expansion has stopped and secondly because we have to seek different, affordable solutions.?

The design by Rentzou and Pantazis will be presented for approval to Renzo Piano, the renowned Italian architect behind the cultural complex.

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