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Meletitiki - Alexandros N. Tombazis & Associates Architects, Athens - Greece
"Remember that building, which is what architecture is all about, means injuring our planet. So be gentle, tread lightly, for we have only one of its kind", wrote the Greek architect Alexandros N. Tombazis in his "Letter to a Young Architect". This book, published by Libro, was unveiled this year during a retrospective of his work at the Benaki Museum in Athens, entitled "The Invisible Thread". Respect for the environment is one of the exhibition's main themes. In his advice to young architects, Tombazis highlights his concerns for the environment.
With 45 years of experience, Tombazis bases his major projects around solar energy. In the 1960s, his architectural approach and practices were diametrically opposed to those of most of his contemporaries. What dominated his architectural vision at the time were not the functional or aesthetic aspects of his work, but rather the art of building in itself, and technology. Following the oil crisis of the 1970s, Tombazis started looking at using solar energy in his work. His approach gradually developed into bioclimatic design, which was to become a fundamental part of his architectural practice. Tombazis is now known as one of the leading figures in this field.
Since then, solar energy - more than just a technology - has formed an integral part of his architecture. His structures optimise the use of natural light in bioclimatic design. This is a common thread running through his various projects, from the Bin Madiya mosque in Dubai (1990) to the ABB complex (1998) and the renovation of the Delphi Archaeological Museum (2000-2004). This research in natural light is a major component of work aimed at reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Legends of the pictures
1. Alexandros N. Tombazis
© Nikos Kokkalias
2. & 3. AVAX headquarters - Athens (1998)
Located in a heavily built-up urban area in central Athens, the construction is part of the THERMIE EC 2000 scheme run by the European Commission. The triangular location, the placement and the climatic data dictated most of the architectural decisions. The façade is framed by concrete columns supporting a double-skinned system working as a diaphragm. Vertical glass silkscreen panels that revolve like fins provide shadow for the façade, thereby enabling the penetration of the sun's rays to be controlled and the natural light to be optimised by the narrowness of the building. This device is complemented by a series of horizontal visor grills. Energy-saving strategies include night-time mechanical ventilation, a central cooling system (air/water heating pump), high-efficiency lighting and motion detectors controlling artificial lighting.
4. & 5. Residential home - Athens (2001)
This private dwelling has undergone work on its lighting and solar gains. Opening onto a garden that extends into different areas in the form of partially-enclosed open spaces, the building looks like it is floating on water included to keep the atmosphere fresh. The exterior and interior of the dwelling blend together thanks to the transparent façade.
6. & 7. Renovation and extension of the Delphi Archaeological Museum (2002-2004)
Begun in 1985, this project formed part of the EC DG TREN energy scheme. The objectives were to maximise the efficiency of the existing building, which already had very good passive properties for the reduction of energy consumption, in order to provide an improved visual aspect through the use of natural light, to improve acoustics and heating. The creation of new rooms, new openings and a fresh exhibition plan makes the visitor route easier to follow.
8 & 9. Church of the Holy Trinity - Fatima, Portugal (2007)
In collaboration with Paula Santos Arquitectos Lda.
Winner of an international competition (1997) among pre-selected architects, the new building is a monumental structure, standing out with its 125m diameter circular form. A symmetrical design was chosen for symbolic, aesthetic and functional reasons. The saw tooth roof structure supports 3200m² of photovoltaic panels. Highly advanced scientific simulations were undertaken to optimise the bioclimatic devices and the daylight penetrating the building. This has resulted in considerable energy savings.
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