The basic choice of the architectural proposal is to integrate the new buildings into the existing built environment, following two of the basic principles of the Venice Charter: the distinction between the new and the old and the harmonious coexistence of all. The basic concept is to create two separate buildings: the building for the central Services addressed mainly to the public and the central Administration building that is the company’s headquarters. In order to unify the total property of the company, the integration of the last part of Solomou Street, as a pedestrian street into the site, is also proposed.

The Services building is located on the northwest boundary of the plot 28, where a new metro station is also proposed. It is a building, functioning as a boundary and background at the same time, on the façade of which the industrial preserved buildings are “projected”. The building consists of 7 floors and has a horizontal organization of uses in zones (auxiliary, corridor, main office spaces) and a vertical organization of functions, as its units are organized with an independent vertical communication node for each one of them. The south and south-east façade of the building are covered by a solar-protective skin, built of horizontal white rotating louvers, creating a semi-transparent surface. The structural system of the building consists of metallic elements with composite slabs.

The Administration headquarters building is located at the southern end of plot 25, creating a large square which is connected to the other two squares of the complex with a pedestrian street crossing the complex from north to south. In the geometrical centre of the Administration building an ellipsoid atrium is created, under which an open amphitheater is proposed for outdoor events. Vertical communication nodes are arranged symmetrically following the diagonals, playing the role of the pillars of the building's support system. The closed-type office spaces are arranged in the outer perimeter of the building floors while the open-type office spaces are arranged around the atrium, ensuring natural lighting and through ventilation in all main spaces. In the first basement, below the open amphitheater, the indoor amphitheater (430 seats) is constructed along with a foyer and a canteen bar, as well as the library room with independent access and entrance. All these underground spaces are bathed in natural light, coming from linear courtyards created on the ground floor. The Administration Building, for reasons of sun protection, is also covered on two opposite sides (eastern and western) with a solar-protective skin built of horizontal white rotating louvers, which creates a transparent façade identical to the one of the Services building. The structural system of the building consists of metallic elements with composite slabs and four reinforced concrete cores.

Regarding to traffic issues, it is suggested that a part of the surrounding streets will be transformed into streets of controlled traffic. Underground parking spaces are also created, as well as a public green space in order to protect the whole development against the noise of the National Road. The three squares of the complex will be connected through a central pedestrian street with a green alley, from north to south.

The buildings will be equipped with a full air conditioning system. A photovoltaic system will be placed across the roof of the Services building. The aim is to achieve a reduction of the consumed energy through (a) design (morphology and properties of building materials) and (b) the efficient use of heating-cooling ventilation systems. The parameters to achieve these goals are: the increase of the perimeter areas of the buildings, the adoption of a spectral selective glazing together with a system of external horizontal louvers with adjustable inclination, the use of the chimney effect, the use of BMS, the preheating of fresh air and,

Finally, the provision of a strategy for the reuse of rainwater as well as the use of environmentally friendly materials.

Exhibition
Exhibition of the Competition, Historical Building of D.E.I., Neo Faliro, Pireaus, 2017