What I can see

The new wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a total area of ​​6,479 sq.m, a two-storey ground floor, 7 office floors and the first basement has a large amphitheater. The building exudes a Doric style with the contrast of white and black, marble and glass. The simple lines and the abstract approach to classical standards (e.g. panels, cornice), give the impression of a work that is contemporary and at the same time classical. This is also supported by the fact that the ground floor and the top floor are recessed, referring to the neoclassical base- main body- crowning arrangement. As a result, it is also morphologically related to the Syngrou Mansion and the two buildings are connected via an outdoor ramp.

What I can't see

The building was designed by Ioannis Vikelas during the military dictatorship. The regime often imposed ancient Greek references on the works of architects, as was the case with the Athens Tower of the same architect. Architects were called upon to implement the regime’s nationalist demands of “neo-historicism” in the most elegant way possible. Although the building was finally completed a few years after the fall of the regime, there were probably no modifications in its design.

Info

• Address: 5 Vas Sofias Av.

Bibliography