Hellenic Telecomunications Organisation Central Mansion
Hellenic Telecomunications Organisation Central Mansion is a building of modern architecture at the centre of Athens.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
1950 The first building was constructed during this decade.
1960 The later complex and the tower were constructed during this decade.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
The original building of the complex is located on Patission Street. The rest of the complex is the result of successive expansions, and therefore of different phases. The original building is modern, with neoclassical elements, and was designed by Kostas Kitsikis. It is one of the few examples of the German “Jugendstil” trend. The exterior is simple, the interior is functional and the top floor was added later. The entrance is framed with marble and is reminiscent of an arcade. The newer building was clad with metal elements and glass, materials that were heavily used in business spaces at the time. The twelve-storey tower in the centre of the complex stands out. At the northern end, there is a daycare building for the employees’ children, designed by Theodoros Patramanis.
What I can't see
These two mismatched buildings were built by the same architect about 15 years apart. The height of the tower is due to dictatorship’s regulations that allowed high buildings in the centre of the city, ignoring how important is for the Acropolis to stand out on the skyline. Today, renovation plans for energy, functional and architectural upgrading are being implemented.
Info
- Address: 98 3i Septemvriou St.
Bibliography
http://www.eie.gr/archaeologia/gr/arxeio.aspx
Τελευταία επίσκεψη 8/12/2022
Zivas D.A., (2012), Αρχιτεκτονικός Οδηγός Αθηνών, [Architectural Guide of Athens], Cultural Foundation of Pireos Group
Tzanavara H., (2020), Τα αταίριαστα «αδέλφια», [The unfit siblings], in Efimerida ton Syntakton
https://www.efsyn.gr/arheio/mnimeia-tis-polis/229476_ta-atairiasta-adelfia
Last visit 8/12/2022
