panoramic observation platform proposal transforms lycabettus hill in athens

aiming to transform the iconic lycabettus hill in athens, greece, adventurous architecture unveils the ‘lecabetus pan.orama’ proposal. the design conceives the well-known landmark as ‘a new start and destination’ for the city, upgrading the abandoned parking area with an installation of a panoramic observation platform. 

all images by flyingarchitecture

adventurous architecture has proposed a set of volumes that dominate the scenery, redefining the site and forming a new entrance to the hill. the viewing plateau structure comprises two levels of observation of the athenian urban landscape: the ground floor and the elevated platform. 

the elevated platform is situated on the north side of the area of intervention, generating a new entrance to the existing lycabettus theatre; a modern monument by famous greek architect takis zenetos. the platform recreates a fence-like volume for the theatre, while bringing together a refreshment room, an event space and a small exhibition area. the pre-existing support buildings are preserved and integrated into the design, and new constructions are made with glue-laminated or cross-laminated timber.

the elevated plateau offers unobstructed panoramic views, while at the same time, it creates shaded and shelter space in the former parking lot of the theatre, inviting spectators and visitors inwards. the path around the parking lot and the theatre, on the south side, is upgraded with the installation of water supply towers made of  flexible bamboo and perforated geotextile. 

these towers create hotbeds by liquefying the vapour contained in the atmosphere, hence creating water sources for the visitors but also for the entire ecosystem on the south side. the bamboo towers create another bioclimatic system within the woods while highlighting the hill of lycabettus as an urban forest. smaller panoramic view platforms placed on the south path of the hill are built with wood, glass and fabric to provide shading.

the path around the parking lot and the theatre, on the south side, is upgraded with the installation of water supply towers

the elevated platform creates a new entrance to the existing lycabettus theatre by takis zenetos

project info:

name: lecabetus pan.orama
architecture office: adventurous architecture
lead architect: theodoros dounas
design team: davide lombardi, daniela pico pérez, paride stella, matt clubb, charalambos heizanoglou

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom