The Biennale of Young Greek Architects is a series of events that aim at shedding light to a representative sample of work of young architects, encouraging at the same time the exchange of ideas around the evolution of architectural thought and architectural production in Greece today.
The 8th Biennale of Young Greek Architects takes place during one of the most critical periods in modern Greek history. In the midst of the crisis, this year’s 214 participants are a sign of encouragement and are there to demonstrate a continuing interest towards the wider promotion of architecture. In this sense, this Biennale does not only showcase young architects and interesting projects, but more importantly it sets the wider trends and directions of contemporary Greek architecture. The selection committee has chosen a total of 59 projects, split between architectural proposals and actual built projects.
Looking towards the future, one might say that Greek architecture, at least the one presented here by architects under 45, is being disseminated towards multiple directions defined by the topos, the urban and natural landscape: More decentralized, less centered on house design, and more focused towards public space. It will be interesting to see if the 9th Biennale that will follow, will be able to express new ideas born through the current multifaceted crisis, which is neither merely local but European, nor merely economic but urban and environmental; or even principles for architecture which may address our collective future. Young architects, obliged as they are to rediscover hope, do not easily give up front of the crisis, and so they invite us to envision along with them an architecture which embodies our era and topos, while it remains steadfastly open and ecumenical.
More info can be found at the Benaki Museum website.