SPATIAL WOMB Visitors' Center SNCC, Athens

 The central idea of the visitors’ pavilion can be summarized as a spatial womb which gets activated from visitors and generates architectural experiences and interaction. The results of the site analysis provide the basic axis and trajectories for the composition of the interior spaces and the orientation of the principal parts of the project, such as the entrance, the exposition spaces and the secondary facilities. The main concept is therefore the creation of a flexible and sensible organic structure which provides concrete answers to the issues raised by the context.

The central idea of the visitors’ pavilion can be summarized as a spatial womb which gets activated from visitors and generates architectural experiences and interaction. The results of the site analysis provide the basic axis and trajectories for the composition of the interior spaces and the orientation of the principal parts of the project, such as the entrance, the exposition spaces and the secondary facilities. The main concept is therefore the creation of a flexible and sensible organic structure which provides concrete answers to the issues raised by the context.

The interior space is predicted to function on tree major alternative versions:

- In case that the exhibition is small (60 sqm) and there is a big presentation given, the capacity can be maximum of 150 people sitting.

-In case that there is a bigger exhibition (80 sqm) and a smaller presentation, the capacity can be minimum of

90 people sitting

-In case that there is a vast exhibition (110 sqm) and a very big presentation, the organizer could arrange also an outdoors presentation with a minimum of 200 people sitting

The relationship of the visitors’ centre with the SNFCC construction site is the basic guiding design element
of the project. A wide glass facade on the north part of the pavilion is watching straight towards the construction site, placing it actually as a ‘’live background’’ of the exposition area and the amphitheatre/ lecture hall. The proximity with the city is also expressed through the extraordinary view to the Faliro’s waterfront and port,so that the visitors can enjoy it from the elevated viewpoint. On the other hand the visitors’ centre pavilion is attracting visitors by it’s original shape and different light qualities formed on its prismatic envelope, once stimulating their curiosity.

The project is composed as a pure expression of what is happening in its interior. This means that every single volume is the appropriate and minimum shape to house a particular function. The final result is a prismatic mass that encloses the program in such an expressive way, as a womb contains the embryo.
The triangle surfaces compose a dynamic form that performs as a network and as a total gives rigidity and strength to the structure