Riconnettere il tessuto di Atene Piranesi Prix de Rome et d’Athènes – 2022-23 Call internazionale di Progettazione per l’Acropoli di Atene e le adiacenze comprese nella buffer zone UNESCO

Reconnecting the Fabric of Athens Introduction, objectives, method Dimitris Pikionis, the architect who redesigned the paths of the Acropolis and the Philopappus, inspired us for a sentimental topography project. On its path, our urban graft introduces an ephemeral and light architecture, capable of transforming itself over time. Its pavements convey a strong message: use a collage of materials from different cultures and eras to create a timeless result. He works according to the concept of 'hiding and framing', showcasing monuments and connecting the visitor with nature and landscape. Following these principles, our routes evoke the original itineraries of the area. A paving, inspired by the work of Paul Klee, a master for Pikionis himself, makes way for citizens and visitors by dressing the colours that once adorned the monuments of ancient Greece. Intervention in the archaeological space of the Plateau is minimal. The restoration site here is intertwined with the sightseeing tour, instructing the visitor in the work in progress. Scope 1 We acted on several fronts using recurring components, 'objects' in natural materials, repeatable, adaptable, variably modular; these are pergolas, fences and pavings. Accessibility and multi-sensory enjoyment are objectives pursued here for both fenced archaeological sites and new and existing free access areas. We redefine the perimeters of some of the existing archaeological sites and extend the free ones by integrating them into the existing green system. We reopen the Panathenaic Way, now almost forgotten, rehabilitating its daily use, guiding the visitor towards the Acropolis starting from the Kerameikos and passing through the Agora. We cover the stretch connecting the Panathenaic Street with Monastiraki Square and the Kerameikos site. Between the Ancient Agora and the Pnice we envisage an intervention that extends the public spaces, particularly in the natural hollow that separates the hill of the Areopagos from the Pnice. At the esplanade on the Pnice hill, we envisage a pavement that promotes the organisation of outdoor events. At the main entrance to the site of the Acropolis we envisage two large pergolas under which new ticket booths manage the incoming flows, while a new entrance to the archaeological area of the Agora punctually widens the pedestrian street Apostolou Pavlou. In the area to the east of the Theatre of Dionysus, we propose to complement our general reconnection proposal with new pedestrian routes. Scope 2 Pursuing the general idea of 'reconnection' we redesign the main access to the Acropolis, improving the use of these spaces by adding new paving and shading elements. The entrance to the caves on the north side of the Acropolis is redesigned so that they are open and usable to the public. We revitalise the Peripatos by upgrading its paths, including by reopening the Via Panatenaica. In addition, we enhance elements such as the boundary stone of the fountain-house, the Koranic monument Thrasyllos and the adjacent Christian church. Scope 3 Regarding the plateau of the Acropolis, we want to improve the visitor experience by remaining almost 'invisible' as with the Pikionis project. We introduce vegetal elements, in particular on the Persian trench, which without occluding the views allow new shading. We rethink the organisation of the site areas, rationalising and optimising them, moving containers, screening them with vegetation and moving the most impactful ones to the old museum. The existing building thus becomes a place to support the construction site and the restoration workshop. Its roof becomes practicable, paved and with elements of potted greenery, without impairing existing views and panoramic cones, but rather creating new ones. Imagine, therefore, a continuous building site, able to fascinate and educate visitors to understand the place where the classical world originated, as well as the very idea of architecture.