Center for Mediterranean Research in the island of Therasia

Student: Papatriantafilou Xenia
Supervisors: Varoudakis Aristomenis, Karamanea Panagiota
Technical University of Crete, Department of Architecture
Presentation date: October 16, 2012

Initially, this new architectural intervention in a landscape that is extremely sensitive, in terms of both the micro scale (hidden excavated dwelling architecture, limited existing interventions) and the macro scale (physical relief, peculiar ridge, rare volcanic materials) was based on an attempt to establish the most suitable balance between concealing and highlighting the architectural work. The need for a continuous dialogue between the two scales of the landscape gave birth to the final form, while at the same time it was safeguarded that the intrusion of a new construction would not disturb and ruin the natural landscape.

The traditional practices of cave style architecture (hyposkafa) along with the application of modern techniques in the design of the building have conferred some advantages of subterain space  and render this construction environmentally-friendly and sustainable.

The proposed intervention corresponds to the needs of the inhabitants and visitors of Santorini, as well as of the interdisciplinary scientific group that is active on the island. In addition to the interpretation centre that liaises such a multicultural community, the proposed building would bring research facilities and an exhibition centre open to visitors under a common roof. So, this project generates an innovative museum that both highlights the natural environment and interprets the results of current research, while the later is being conducted by scientists in lieu. In detail, the facilities housed by this building include laboratories for architects, archaeologists, sociologists and biologists, a diving centre, amphitheatres and exhibition spaces, a restaurant and observatories.  Furthermore there has been an attempt to renovate and reuse the existing settlement of Kera,  into a hostel. The intervention in this traditional settlement was based on the concept that the new and the old should coexist harmonically and distinctly.