National Hellenic Research Foundation

What I can see

This six-storey building is an international research centre and consists of 3 institutes and the National Documentation Centre. These institutes are of (a) Historical Research, (b) Biology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biotechnology, and (c) Theoretical and Physical Chemistry. It consists of offices, workshops, a library and an amphitheater. Initially, a pioneering glass building was proposed, but ultimately the aesthetics of a strict version of modernism was imposed with three volumes: one elongated, one cubic (library) and one single-storey (lecture hall). The lecture area is smaller than planned, thus upsetting the balance of the original design. Interesting elements of its architecture are the marble lining (a reference to Greek architecture), the shape and volume of the library and the multi-storey building (international architecture).

What I can't see

This area probably belonged to the Doukissa (Duchess) of Plakentia and at the beginning of the 20th century military venues were located here. The building was designed by the famous architects Konstantinos Doxiadis and Dimitris Pikionis and the sixth floor was added later. An impressive roof was also designed, but was not implemented. It is the first post-war building of the Greek State that follows the architectural trends of the time. The aim of the foundation is to develop interdisciplinary research and cooperates with approximately 250 organizations from across the globe. About 180 surveys are currently being carried out, and there are 450 permanent staff members, most of them PhDs. It has numerous publications in international journals and is a cradle of primary knowledge with international impact.

Info

• Address: 48 V. Konstantinou St.

Bibliography