kois associated architects proposes museum of cycladitic art

drawing people in from the outside, a floating array of vertical elements clearly marks its entrance, while also acting as an urban meeting point.

kois architects edited by myrto katsikopoulou January 4, 2014 2 min

kois associated architects proposes new museum of cycladitic art
all images courtesy of kois associated architects

the proposal by kois associated architects for the redesign of the museum of cycladic art in athens, greece, aims to enhance the building’s urban pretense and public interaction. the existing street frontage is reminiscent of the international style, encased within the tight city fabric. a large portion is covered with reflective glass, which on their inner side are fitted with rigid panels to prevent sun reaching the exhibition rooms where steady conditions of lighting are required. wanting to integrate a new design with the structure, a floating array of vertical elements clearly marks the entrance point. drawing people in from the outside, the proposed scheme provides shade and shelter, while also acting as an urban meeting point.

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street view

the design of the new linear façade was based on natural cycladic rock formations, alluding to the fragmented landscape of their origin. the outline of an anthropomorphic figure is created within these vertical divisions, it is a tectonic version of the early cycladic (2700 bc) marble head figurine of spedos, which is part of the collection of the museum of cycladic art.

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the MCA entrance

on the interior, a new atrium, café and nearby shop offer an urban oasis of light and vegetation, fostering urban connection and interaction. during the museum’s opening hours, the space acts as an extension of the street, and is shut off when the museum is closed. this periodical movement not only becomes an architectonic event introducing different degrees of access and permeability, but also becomes an urban event.

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the lobby

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view from the atrium to the entrance

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the cafe in the atrium

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perspective view of the facade from the entrance

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façade close up when the museum is closed

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concept diagram

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the plan

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the section

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street elevation

project info:

principal architect: kois stelios
project leader: patsiaouras nikos
design team: fillipos manolas, gabriel barbas, konstantinos giannakis, mariellina stavrou, despina sotiriou, visualisation: mir , kaa

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