neiheiser argyros turns nautical cartography into coastal design at astir marina, athens

Neiheiser Argyros completes astir marina landscape in athens

Neiheiser Argyros reimagines the Vouliagmeni Peninsula along Athens’ lush south coast with the Astir Marina, a project that constructs new engineered land within the sea. This design addresses the challenge of crafting a landscape where no natural ground exists. The concept of the marina reveals the hidden connections between the visible coastline and the dynamic ecosystems of the seabed.

The team draws inspiration from nautical charts, employing elevation marks, contours, and gradients to visualize the underwater terrain in the project. Archival research, including World War II-era military aerial scans, provided insights into the site’s original topography of coves and beaches. Neiheiser Argyros layered these historical contours over the engineered marina outline, shaped by yacht movement, mooring logistics, and environmental considerations. This juxtaposition creates a narrative of past and present influences.

all images by George Sfakianakis, courtesy of Neiheiser Argyros

nautical charts and contours depict the underwater terrain

To enhance the functionality and appearance of the site, the design by Neiheiser Argyros incorporates a 2-meter local grid, oriented toward the marina basin, to integrate with the global grid system. Artificial green islands—landscaped barriers designed to reduce vehicular impact—mimic the organic forms of natural islets, completing the layered identity of the project. The hardscape becomes a literal map, embedding the geological history of the site and contemporary design elements into its surface, echoing Jorge Luis Borges’s story On the Exactitude of Science, where ‘the map is the territory.’

Astir Marina balances local heritage with global aspirations, drawing from the legacy of mid-century modern resorts and ancient Greek landscapes while establishing itself as a high-end destination. By overlaying nautical cartography, material logics, and ecological sensitivity, Neiheiser Argyros creates a landmark that bridges the historical context of the site with its future ambitions.

Astir Marina and Vouliagmeni Peninsula from above

Astir Marina windward pier from above

Astir Marina central plaza and waterfront promenade from above

Windward pier from above

Astir Marina waterfront promenade | image by Lorenzo Zandri

Astir Marina plaza with Olive Tree bulge | image by Lorenzo Zandri

plaza and sunshades | image by Lorenzo Zandri

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Astir Marina contours - marking a trace of the historic terrain | image by Lorenzo Zandri

Astir Marina contours made from marble offcuts | image by Lorenzo Zandri

waterfront promenade, green island buffers, vehicle zone at back of site, and sea beyond the windward pier wall

project info:

name: Astir Marina Public Realm and Landscape
architect: Neiheiser Argyros | @neiheiser_argyros
location: Vouliagmeni, Athens, Greece
area: 60,000 square meters (6 hectares)

completion date: July 2024

type: Marina Landscape & Public Realm

client: Astir Marina

owner: Astir Marina Vouliagmenis S.A.

landscape architecture and public realm architecture: Neiheiser Argyros

softscape consultant: SRLA Simon Rackham

Neiheiser Argyros team: Ryan Neiheiser, Xristina Argyros, George Foufas, Tasos Theodorakakis, Eleni Vagianou, Iason Ntounis, Alkisti Michelatou, Andreas Anagnostopoulos, Pelagia Spyridonidou

marine works design & environmental study: Marnet S.A.

preliminary masterplan of marina land zone: KSE Studio

architectural design of buildings: Aeter Architects

structural design: TTA S.A.

mep design: TEAM Consulting Engineers

geotechnical design: Edafos Engineering Consultants S.A.

traffic & hydraulic design: Dromos Consulting

lighting design: CK.Design.Lighting

planning consultant: Periklis Konstantinidis

project manager: Hill International

main contractor: Tekal

photographers: George Sfakianakis | @g_sfakianakis, Lorenzo Zandri | @lorenzozandri

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom