thanasis

Transversal is a renovation of an apartment on Makriyianni Street which transforms a maze-like 56sqm plan into an arrangement of linear spaces organized along a diagonal line. The diagonal line which separates the private spaces from the open spaces is rotated to align with the parthenon, both which are oriented south to capture the best light within the Athenian context.

 

Located across the Acropolis Museum, the building in which the apartment belongs to (23/27 Makriyanni) is a large multi-story residential complex designed in 1967 composed of two buildings which form a T-shaped geometry; the complex’s primary building spans along the pedestrianized Makriyianni street while its secondary building is an appendage with southern exposure within the courtyard (akalyptos) of its city block. Our apartment bridges the two buildings in which the joint between the two buildings is exposed in the middle of the floorplan.

 

During the re-design, a diagonal line lined in green cabinetry was created to define open spaces on the south side and private spaces on the northern side. The living room, kitchen, dining room and bedroom are all one open plan, all oriented south. Along the north, are a series of small rooms which includes, shower room, toilet room, laundry room, storage room, mechanical systems and closets. The diagonal line not only shifts the orientation of the apartment to align south, but also optimizes the space; creating efficiency in the floorplan. By being efficient with the service spaces and providing adequate storage (near entrance, above kitchen etc) the open space can remain organized and uncluttered.