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Frequently Asked Questions
We would like to thank you for the comments and observations that you have send us. Below, we answer to the questions that you have posed until now regarding the competition. Since many of the questions were related, we have tried to group them.
A. Questions concerning the natural limits of intervention.
Could you clarify the plot¶s limits?
The plot plan will be given in autocad file or just in jpg? We mention that jpg is not accurate and questions arise. For example, points D and G seem to coincide with covering line. Is that true? Also, point A is not on the same straight line that points E and D define. Is it wrong?
Is it possible to increase building height by adding new floors? Answering one of submitted questions you are saying that: “each and every construction, intervention, interior design or new uses may extend until the plot¶s limits and in each and every floor or altitude level….” So does it means that we can extend -build new construction, slabs, columns or …for all floors (or some) - up to the plot limits or we should keep each floor limits as it is and change only exterior cladding?
The Contest Proclamation states that "the proposed interventions may be extended over the building within the ground boundary without, though, any height limitation." Now the plot limits are clear. But is it possible to design a building overhang (I mean shelter, shed or any other slim casing with no indoor spaces), at high level from the ground, the public spaces or the street, whose projection only beyond the plot limits? Obviously I mean without any structural support outside the plot perimeter and without compromising the space of neighboring buildings or streets.
Can we increase the height of the tower?
Does the vertical extension of the proposed interventions on the buildings¶ facades have any restriction (ex. 2, 4, 6m. etc beyond the current tallest level of the building)?
Answers A.
The participants may find the plot¶s limits on the plot plan (file name: topo borders.jpg). The limits are defined with the letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
We have already uploaded the file (Announcements) topo borders 2.jpg, where plot¶s limits are defined more accurately.
The plan plot in autocad exists in the competition¶s files and is provided only to the participants.
Any construction at any height, in contact or not, from the existing shell may be proposed. The restrictions say: any vertical cconstruction shall not increase the building¶s indoor space and the proposed interventions shall not extend vertically the ground boundary. This possibility provides the participants with a wider field of expression and may lead to very interesting results regarding the aim and the objectives of the competition. The designing choices will be judged, in the end, for their creative courage or for their susceptible excess.
B. Questions concerning the type of intervention.
Should we maintain the existing glass panes? May we remove all or part of the curtain walls and maintain only the skeleton of the building? For the construction needs of the staircase, the curtain walls could be removed selectionally?
Can we alter the existing window frames by opened ones at some parts?
You mention on page 5 of the proclamation that “the proposed constructions” should be either in contact or at a distance from the existing curtain walls.” Regarding the curtain walls, do the curtain walls exist at the current state of the tower? Is it possible to step in on the curtain walls, place for example, some other curtain walls? The initiative is the maintenance of the curtain walls or of the grid?
In the proposal it is written: "The facade interventions regard the type and dimension of the proposed constructions either in contact or at a distance from the existing curtain walls." Do you mean that we need to keep the existing facade (curtain walls) and just formally "dress" the building from outside or we are allowed to create an entirely new facade considering only the structure of the tower?
May we place a double glass façade and the second layer of the glass be placed outside the concreted skeleton or it is considered to be extension of the interior space?
Shall we intervene on 1st and 2nd floor facades (is it possible to ablate the white investment and to face the facade as a department of the total intervention, without exceeding the building line)?
Is it possible to place an element, part of the new skin of the building, at a distance from the existing curtain walls and structure, but properly connected with it?
If so, how much is it possible to exceed the dimensions (especially referring to the upper part of the building: the tower-element)?
The proposed construction for the facades, may be accessible from the interior of the building? That so, may a small projection be created on a floor that may be connected with the construction? (not a roofed space, just a small balcony)
Can we add projections that will be used?
Can we add balconies or cantilevered (projected or overhead) volumes to the tower?
On page 5 of the proclamation it is mentioned that “The building indoor space is still in the existing outline”. On the given answers to questions 4 and 5 of the competition, however, it is mentioned that “any other functional construction, outdoor or semi-outdoor, may be proposed for the space outside or inside the existing outline of the building”. Finally, can exterior spaces be proposed at the expense of the existing outline of the internal spaces or not?
The proposed interventions shall take into consideration the static sufficiency of the building? And if so, to what level?
In two interior photographs, it is observed the lack of reversed joists, in two points. Are there any other points on the support structure where this provision is repeated?
Plot¶s limits could extend on the ground floor and so could we change the existing interior design, the stoa or the limits of the ground floor as a building?
Can we alter the current interior design and add new elements (not static) but interior walls or make other changes?
Can we move the entrance somewhere else? Entrance space and stoa may be or have to be part of the configuration?
The divisions of the stores on the ground floor can be reorganized, changed or increased in number?
Can the central core of the tower be changed (the toilets and some closed spaces around the stairs volumes)?
The four floors of the tower that can be exploited are our own choice and placed wherever we want aren¶t they?
May we destroy some parts of the slabs or unite two floors?
According to the answer to previous question, one may suppose that we can redesign the whole tower internally and maintain only the staircases and the support structure. Is it true or shall we limit our reformation in 4 floors? And do we have to design them analytically or just to propose change of use?
Answers B.
The existing glass panes and curtain walls may not be maintained. The support structure should be considered on the proposals.
An entirely new façade of the tower may be proposed on its height and it is not obligatory to take into consideration the existing curtain walls or other facings. The new facade may be in contact or at a small distance from the external side of the support structure and it doesn¶t mean that it increases the building¶s surface.
The phrase “The building indoor space is still in the existing outline” on the proclamation means that no additional indoor spaces shall be proposed, but it is possible, according to participants¶ crisis, existing indoor spaces to alter character or use. No internal closed space (beyond the additional staircase) is permitted to be proposed outside the existing outline. Any other functional construction, outdoor or semi-outdoor, cantilever or any other morphologic element, may be proposed for the space outside or inside the existing outline of the building. (projected, overhead or however the participant choose)
It is asked from the participants the proposals to be “constructible”. That means that each proposal shall take into consideration the general static characteristics of the building and not question the possibility of its construction. We do not ask a thorough solution for the new constructions or the strengthening procedure of the existing construction as it is an architectural ideas competition. It depends on the participants¶ crisis, whether it is necessary, to support their intervention on their proposal. It is also possible that the participant will take into consideration only the load bearing structure of the tower. It happens the participants on architectural ideas competitions to initiate on the dialogue that their more or less “constructible” proposal will provoke and not on the possibility of the proposal¶s construction. The jury committee is the one that finally examines this issue and each participant takes himself/herself responsibility for the initiatives that he/she himself/herself poses.
As for the reversed joists, the data that we have in our disposal are photographs and drawings that we were able to find. We do not know if there were any changes during the construction and we cannot provide you with any other information for this issue.
Each and every construction, intervention, interior design or new uses may extend until the plot¶s limits and in each and every floor or altitude level. The ramp that leads to the basement must be maintained.
The participants may propose any alteration in the interior of the building, even the entrance, by taking into consideration the structural support, the elevators and the staircases. New arrangements on the ground floor, by increasing or reducing the shops¶ number may be proposed. New arrangements may also be proposed around the core of the tower as long as the existing staircases and elevators are maintained. These possibilities are up to the participant if he/she will use them and to what extent. There is also the possibility, if the participants consider it necessary, for more extensive interventions regarding the uses and the types of the spaces, at four typical floors, continuous or not.
Unification of two floors may also be proposed.
The main objective of the competition is the facades¶ reformation with the possibility of extended interventions in 4 levels of the tower (typical floors). Of course, any other proposal which also intervenes in the lower not typical floors cannot be excluded. It is up to the participant¶s crisis if he/she will extend his design in the interior of the tower and to which level. The objective, apparently, is not the resolution of the arrangement of the typical office floors, neither the arrangement nor the use of the lower levels of the tower. The possibility of multiple interventions should not be interpreted as requirement. In case that a participant extends to arrangements and uses beyond the competition¶s requirements is expected to connect and justify his/her interventions to his/her proposal for the new shell.
C. Questions concerning the additional staircase.
The additional staircase should adjoin the external walls (ground floor, 2nd floor to 3rd floor, 22nd floor or may be united from the ground floor until the 22nd floor. Because the building has two volumes.
As far as the additional staircase is concerned; shall it be at the exterior of the building in all levels? Or may penetrate some floors, for example, 1st floor, 2nd floor or the ground floor?
Which floors shall the fire safety staircase serve? Additionally, you mention that the above staircase shall be constructed outside the existing outline of the building. When you say outline, you mean the outline of the floors that extends until the plot¶s outline (1st and 2nd floor) or the outline of the upper floors?
The staircase shall be of closed type? Is there any restriction according to its size, materials or position in relation to the building?
Is the position of the second fire safety staircase eligible? It may be spaced anywhere in the perimeter of the building? From the proportional answers we comprehend that it may also abstain from the tower and lead to plot, overpassing the construction in the three first floors. Is this true?
The additional core has an emergency character or similar to the existing ones?
On the proclamation you mention the necessity of an “additional protected stairway enclosure”. Please clarify the term “protected”. Concerning the answer to a question regarding the stairway, you refer to it as an “additional protected stairway enclosure”. Below, you mention that its form (that means, closed or open?) depends on the participant¶s will. Which one is valid?
Shall we place the additional staircase at the outline of the building in general? Are there any specifications that should be followed? You mention that it should be protected; you mean closed from all sides or it may be covered?
Fire safety instructions are specific for the position and dimensions of external staircase? May the staircase be open and only protected at the side which is in contact with the tower?
The new staircase should be close (internal) or may be open (external)?
Please would you mind to clarify on following item: New fire lift requirement dictates that it should be placed outside the building perimeter (Section A Presentation, point A.4 Proposal, pag. 5, last paragraph)? However, which perimeter do you mean: The tower¶s (3rd floor to 22nd floor) or the lower deck¶s (2nd floor to 1st floor).
Is there any legislation for the building fire safety with the required dimensions and materials for the protected stairway?
Regarding the fire safety plan: why is it obligatory to annex external staircase? The second emergency route should be solved by ensuring the immediate route to the outside through two staircases; if they will be alternate to fire safety staircases. Is a third staircase really necessary? Please provide us the fire safety plan.
The movement connection between the staircase and the tower is necessary in each floor or could it be in every second floor?
Can we propose use of the existing staircases on the way that we believe that movement inside the building should be organized? May the external staircase be doubled for example?
Answers C.
The additional close fire safety staircase that is asked shall be placed outside the existing outline of the building¶s body, that means that it shall definitely be outside the outline of 3rd floor and above. It depends on the participants¶ will whether the staircase will penetrate the 1st and 2nd floor in order to reach the ground or it will continue to the lower floors as an external element.
The architectural form, the position and the materials of the staircase depend on the participants¶ will.
The width of the staircase is suggested to be at least 1.40m.
The additional close indoor staircase is considered essential in order to cover possible future provisions of the fire safety regulations since today, in Greece; such regulations do not exist for such tall buildings. The existing staircases cover the Greek regulations of the time of its construction.
The additional staircase shall serve every functional level of the tower.
The 2 existing staircases do not change and the least required external staircase is 1.
D. Questions concerning uses and functions.
May we have an outdoor use at the external space of the 3rd floor?
If we propose the use of the existing outer space of the 3rd floor, the current construction is capable to support the weight of a large number of users, and if so, about how many of them?
Is it possible to change the use of any floor-for example is it possible to move restaurant at the last floor (22.nd) and to use roof for restaurant terrace?
Can we alter the use of the ground floor, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 20th, 21st, 22nd (apart from the electromechanical facilities that you mention on the proclamation) or do the changes refer only to the four typical floors in order to accommodate more office spaces?
Can we choose these floors to change their use (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 20th, 21th, 22th), on our own preference, or can we only change the uses of the floors for offices?
Answers D.
An outdoor use may be proposed for any floor of the building outside or inside the existing outline of the building, including the 3rd floor, without any further static justification. Since the competition is an ideas¶ competition, each proposal shall be “constructible” without requiring any changes that would degrade its concept. Thus, no static “solution” is required. We remind you that the outline of the proposed constructions should not exceed the outline of the plot.
Restaurant uses may be proposed for any existing floor or roof.
Any change may be proposed in the interior of every level. Regarding the uses, the participants are free to propose new uses (indoor or outdoor) for the 4 floors. The objective of this competition is the maintenance of the tower¶s character as an office building for the typical floors. Any other proposal for new uses in any other level of the tower will be judged by its justification and its affinity with the competition¶s objectives.
It is up to the participants to choose the 4 typical floors of the tower that they will change the use. However, it is not excluded any proposal for use¶s alteration in another level of the tower, provided that it is consistent and strengthens the central idea for the proposed shell of the tower.
E. Questions concerning clarifications.
We consider that the selected procedure does not secure the anonymity of each proposal. The required files – jpg file, PDF, description file, participation form- include the 3digit number that we have received from you, the institution that conducts the competition. This code number is not of our own choice, it corresponds to our entry and consequently it does not secure our anonymity. Moreover, we are asked to send the proposal via email, something that also reveals our identity in case it is sent from the candidate¶s email address. Otherwise, he/she shall create a new email address.
We would like to inform you that, in relevant circumstances of architectural competitions, particularly international, particular attention is given to the guarantee of the proposals¶ anonymity. Each and every proposal is sent in a parcel and is accompanied by the candidates¶ personal details in a stamped folder with a code selected by candidates. These personal details are revealed after the selection of the winning proposals by opening the folders. The changes that we propose are:
1. The code, specified number of digits, to be selected by the candidates.
2. The candidates to send the proposals to your office, in CDs that will have the selected participation code, and their personal details in a A4 stamped folder with the code. These personal details will be revealed after the selection of the winning proposals.
We expect your comments on the above issue.
There are altimetric differences between the section plans and the elevation plans from the ground floor until the 3rd floor. If we alternate the heights on the elevation plan according to the levels¶ altitudes, the plan seems to be correct.
Regarding the altimetric differences, there are no written heights on the section plans. The heights are written only on the elevation plans. Which heights should we keep?
We have marked differences regarding the outline of the building comparing the drawings of the floor plans and the three-dimensional models that we have downloaded from the competition¶s website. Should we consider the drawings to be correct?
Looking at the ".dwg" drawings and comparing them to some aerial photos, I
think A-A section sign is shown in incorrect plan position. I mean that, looking the A-A section drawing, we find Akti Poseidonos on the left sight (I think the asymmetric technical volume on the top of the tower works as a good guideline to understand: it is located further to the right, towards the inland). So the correct A-A section sign must cut the other stairwell and look in the opposite direction. I realize that is not so important for a new face regeneration idea, but it would be useful to me if you confirm this.
Please would you mind to clarify on following item: There is a discrepancy between information in plan and section regarding the lift shaft located along grid line 5 (ground floor).
The photograph which you have published, the one that shows the support structure, does not seem to agree with the AutoCAD drawings. Precisely, on the photograph the floors appear to project quite enough from the columns system, while no angular columns seem to exist. Will you send new drawings, or do we assume that the drawings that you already uploaded are correct?
Is there any information for the connections of the joists? In the drawings, their projections are not clear and there is confusion especially at the ground floor where there is the stoa and the loft. It is not clear where the joists are. A drawing with their connection would be very useful since there are multiple possibilities for the architectural design of the building.
In the proclamation you refer to a technical characteristics description. Where can we find it?
I¶d like to ask about the possibility of joining the competition with my team (5 students) as one register. É also want to ask about the language of the final presentation. I saw some winning entries from the last competition and most of them were in Greek form. So can we make our final presentation in English?
When do we declare the members of the team?
Is there a cost restriction?
May 3 students instead of 2 participate? On the participation form there is the possibility of 2 students and 2 cooperators? May 3 persons sign in as students?
Would you please provide additional information on the "ramp" area in the form of photographs?
Is it possible to get a high resolution air photo of the area?
Would you please provide additional information on the functions (uses) of the surrounding buildings?
Can we get information about the height of the surrounding buildings as well as information on the use of these buildings?
Would you please clarify the "third" basement that shows in the building sections?
Section Á-Á. On the 20th floor¶s level, is there a slab?
Section Â-Â. floors 18-22. Shall the staircase be maintained?
Can the stairs that run through the 18th to 22th floor be suppressed?
Further to the information provided on the announcement board, is it possible to post information on climatic condition of Piraeus and the immediate context around Piraeus tower.
Are we allowed to use DuPont materials from every sector in which the company activates?
Answers E.
The observations regarding the guarantee of anonymity are based on the usual process which is followed in international competitions. The process that we follow is tested in abundance of international competitions as well as in the previous competition that we have organised (“D. Areopagitou 2008”). The guarantee of anonymity is absolute and granted provided that the jury committee receives only the .jpg file with the 3 digit number. In case there are any distinctive signs on the file that could reveal the participant¶s identity, then the last one will be cancelled. The jury committee does not have access to the files with the participants¶ personal details during the evaluation process. No member of the jury committee would ever accept the break of this process.
As for the sending of the proposals via email and the guarantee of anonymity, in paragraph C of the proclamation it is declared: “the sender may be the candidate or any other”. In paragraph D of the proclamation it is also declared: “Greekarchitects.gr shall strictly protect the competition integrity ensuring the anonymity of all candidates up to the final evaluation phase. Each candidacy shall be identified exclusively by its “registration code”. The files containing the candidates¶ personal details (which are sent in pdf form) will be kept separately and opened upon completion of the evaluation procedure.” Namely, the only information the jury committee has during the evaluation process is a 3digit number.
In case there is a difference between the heights and levels of the floors, the written heights on the section plans predominate; if heights are not written on the section plans, the heights as designed on the autocad section plan predominate. The written heights on the elevation plans are the real heights of the floor levels on the section plans. The level +80.10 is the level of the last floor.
The plan drawings are correct. There might be disagreements with the three-dimensional model but it should not influence the design.
The observation regarding the section A-A is correct.
The observation regarding the difference between plan and section on grid 5 of the ground floor is correct, it concerns a small difference between the lines, but it does not affect the design.
The image that we have uploaded for the competition and represents the tower under construction is NOT identified with the Piraeus Tower. For this reason, it should be ignored by the participants, who shall base their study on the plans given. The given plans of the competition come from a final study that was assigned on 1997 and that sufficiently shows the support structure.
As for the connections of the joists we do not have any drawings other than those which we have already uploaded on the website. For an ideas¶ competition, we believe that the available drawings are enough so that any architectural idea may be expressed.
The technical characteristics¶ description is available on the “announcements”, at the competitions¶ website.
A team that submits one proposal and has one registration code may be consisted of as many members as they like. The proposal may be submitted only in English.
Regarding the declaration of the members of the team, see proclamation, chapter “B. Entry”.
There is no cost restriction. The competition¶s initiative is the best possible solution according to the competition¶s objectives.
There is no restriction for the number of participants (students or cooperators). In the deposit of the final document you can add all the participants.
On the competition¶s data we have added a photograph (Ramp area.jpg) that shows the ramp which leads to the basement.
For the time being, we do not have air view photograph of the region in high analysis. If, during the competition, we find any relevant photograph, we will upload it on “announcements”.
As for the uses of the surrounding buildings, there are office buildings, commercial shops and some residences. Regarding their heights, there is no drawing with the skyline. You may estimate the heights from the available photographs, from photographs that the participants may find themselves, from google-earth and other relevant websites.
As for the 3rd basement, it is likely to be provided for electromechanical facilities. There is no other information.
On the 20th floor there is a space without slab. The 19th floor has double height at that point.
From the 18th to the 22nd floor, an internal staircase exists. Whether it will be maintained or not, depends on the participant¶s will.
You may find information for the climate in Piraeus by searching on the Internet either the word “Piraeus” or the word “Athens”. For example, in Wikipedia you will find enough information.
DuPont materials that can be used are the ones mentioned on the proclamation where you may find the equivalent links.
F. Questions concerning the proposal¶s presentation.
Why does the submitted text need to be both in English and Greek? If it's an international competition it's rather strange to ask for submissions in the native language. Will projects submitted only in English be accepted?
When you say "1 (one) .doc text file describing the proposal both in Greek and English languages", does the text need to be bilingual? It's very difficult to get a Greek translator in my country; can we send the text only in English?
The large file that we shall send through yOUsENDIT shall contain information from all three files (jpg, doc, pdf) of the proposal?
Which designing level shall we reach? Are constructional details needed?
In which circumstances should we submit the floor plans, and if so, in which scale and to which detail degree?
Proclamation, p. 13. As for the required topographic plan; is the area drawn on the given files (general.topographic_plan.dwg, topo_borders2.jpeg, topo_borders_2download.jpeg) adequate, referring to the surrounding buildings? On the same plan (topographic), is the ground floor plan required or shall we draw the upper floor plan with the outline of the building and of the proposal.
Answers F.
Á bilingual description text is asked from the participants for the convenience of the jury committee and the presentation of the competition proposals (exhibitions and printed edition) that will be in two languages. Regarding the validity of the proposals, there is no problem if the description text is only in English.
The file that you shall send through yOUsENDIT concerns only the jpg file with the layout and it will be used for print.
The type of the plans, the scale and the presentation layout depends on the participants¶ will. In an ideas architectural competition, the participant is not expected to submit constructional details but is expected to persuasive the judges for the power and innovation of his/her proposal. If any participant believe that it is necessary for the persuasiveness of his/her proposals to present in detail some parts of it, it is up to his judgment. The asked “constructability” of the proposal does not essentially presuppose that the proposal should “be spent” in details. The experience of critical committee¶s members ensures this criterion.
As for the required topographic, it is not obligatory to show the ground floor plan, it may illustrate the plan of the upper floor. As for the area that the topographic diagram will include, it is up to the student¶s crisis.
WE WOULD LIKE to thank you for the great interest that you have showed for the competition. We would also like to emphasize that it is an architectural ideas competition which means, it is open to any new and innovative idea. We wish you good luck.
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Supporters & SponsorsGreekArchitects.gr would like to thank the DuPont Hellas S.A. Company which actively demonstrates its sensibility for architectural affairs. This company supports the competition aiming at architecture and creativity development in Greece through innovative products.
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