Architectural Cases

Construction has commenced on a significant new cultural hub in Piraeus, Greece, envisioned to become an international focal point for arts and culture. This ambitious undertaking, led by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop in partnership with Betaplan Architects from Athens and landscape architect Camille Muller from Paris, is commissioned by The Dinos and Lia Martinos Foundation (DLMF). The project, named KYKLOS, aims to enrich the urban and cultural fabric of the Athens metropolitan area by offering a vibrant space for contemporary art collections and diverse cultural programs with a global perspective. Since its initiation in 2023, the development has been steadily progressing, with completion anticipated by late 2028.

The KYKLOS Centre for Arts and Cultures is designed to be a dynamic venue for exploring global contemporary art through both physical exhibitions and digital interactions. Strategically located near the Neo Faliro electric train station, the center emphasizes a seamless integration of architecture and natural landscapes, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in art, education, and community life. The design prioritizes open and accessible spaces, featuring indoor galleries alongside expansive open-air areas, thus fostering a civic and cultural gathering place. The Renzo Piano Building Workshop's design philosophy for KYKLOS underscores spatial clarity, environmental responsibility, and a strong civic presence, envisioning the center as a vital local resource and a key node in an international network of art institutions.

The architectural concept positions the building as a sanctuary for art, nestled within a Mediterranean garden. Fully glazed exhibition spaces offer views of a major avenue to the west and a serene garden to the east. The interplay of architectural elements and lush vegetation creates a filtered natural light environment, seamlessly blending the building with its urban and natural surroundings. A substantial portion, approximately 62%, of the site is dedicated to public green spaces meticulously designed by Camille Muller, facilitating a gentle transition between the center and the city while contributing positively to the urban ecosystem. Internally, a flexible layout allows for a wide array of exhibitions, events, and educational activities to coexist and evolve, emphasizing transparency in both visual connections and functional flow to enhance the visitor experience. Beyond its permanent and rotating exhibitions, KYKLOS will host an array of lectures, screenings, and digital programs, significantly expanding its cultural and educational outreach.

This initiative represents a profound commitment to fostering cultural exchange and community engagement through innovative architectural design. By creating a welcoming and environmentally integrated space, KYKLOS is set to inspire, educate, and connect people, promoting a deeper appreciation for the arts and contributing to the vibrant cultural dialogue of Greece and beyond.

Honduran architectural practice 24 Grados has emerged as a beacon of contextual design, dedicated to breathing new life into forgotten urban and natural landscapes. Established in 2009 by visionary architects Oscar Mencia and Katia Mazier, the firm champions an approach where buildings and environments are not merely structures but intricate tapestries of memory, identity, and untapped potential. Their diverse portfolio spans from the thoughtful restoration of historical Spanish plazas and vibrant cultural centers to sensitive interventions within pristine natural parks and serene coastal villages across Honduras. Each endeavor is underpinned by a profound conviction: that design possesses the transformative power to reforge the bonds between individuals, their surroundings, and their cherished heritage, turning overlooked areas into thriving community spaces.

Headquartered in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 24 Grados views architecture as an indispensable instrument for ensuring cultural continuity. Their work frequently navigates the intricate interplay between historical conservation, essential community infrastructure development, and a deep-seated environmental consciousness. The firm’s projects are a testament to their unwavering commitment to restoring dignity to underutilized and neglected spaces through meticulously planned architectural interventions. These designs seamlessly integrate existing heritage and abandoned sites back into the dynamic fabric of urban life, ensuring they evolve from static relics into active, meaningful components of contemporary society.

One notable example of their philosophy in action is the revitalization of old Spanish plazas. Rather than imposing entirely new structures, 24 Grados carefully restores and adapts these historical public squares, preserving their inherent charm and historical significance while updating them to meet modern community needs. This process often involves subtle modifications that enhance accessibility, introduce sustainable landscaping, and create versatile areas for social interaction and cultural events. By engaging with the existing architectural language and historical layers, the firm ensures that these spaces continue to tell their stories while serving a vibrant present.

Furthermore, 24 Grados extends its expertise to cultural centers, transforming them into lively hubs that foster creativity and community engagement. These projects frequently involve adaptive reuse strategies, converting older, underutilized buildings into state-of-the-art facilities for arts, education, and social gatherings. The architects prioritize designs that reflect local traditions and materials, integrating elements that resonate with the community’s identity. This approach ensures that the renovated cultural centers are not just functional but also deeply rooted in their context, becoming authentic expressions of regional culture and aspirations.

Beyond urban settings, the firm's work in natural parks and coastal villages showcases their commitment to environmental stewardship and sensitive integration with the landscape. Here, their interventions are designed to be minimal and respectful, emphasizing ecological sustainability and promoting harmonious coexistence between human activity and nature. Whether it’s designing eco-friendly visitor centers or sustainable housing solutions, 24 Grados strives to create structures that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal without compromising the natural beauty of the area. These projects often incorporate local construction techniques and materials, reflecting a deep respect for the environment and traditional craftsmanship.

The visionary leadership of Oscar Mencia and Katia Mazier has guided 24 Grados in establishing a distinctive architectural identity rooted in principles of adaptation, reuse, and contextual sensitivity. Their unwavering dedication to revitalizing forgotten places has not only enhanced the built environment but also strengthened the cultural and social fabric of Honduran communities. Through a meticulous process of research, design, and community engagement, the firm consistently delivers projects that are both historically resonant and forward-looking, demonstrating architecture's profound capacity to create enduring value and foster a renewed sense of pride and belonging.

The firm's philosophy underscores the idea that every site, regardless of its current state, holds inherent value and untold stories waiting to be rediscovered. By engaging with these narratives and infusing them with contemporary design principles, 24 Grados effectively transforms forgotten areas into dynamic spaces that contribute significantly to the social, cultural, and environmental well-being of Honduras. Their work serves as a powerful reminder that architecture, when approached with sensitivity and a deep understanding of place, can play a pivotal role in shaping a more connected and meaningful future.