8 January, 2019
Domés magazine - Presentation of K.E.P Victoria Square
In its first issue for 2019, Domés magazine dedicated an extensive article on the new Citizen Service Centre at Victoria Square that was realized by our company. This project proves that architectural design is important in public buildings as well.
The design by A2 Architects redefines the relationship between the citizen and civil services but also reevaluates the relationship between civil service workers and their place of work.
The construction by EPIKYKLOS fully respected the architectural design. Meeting close deadlines and strict budgets, as well as the high standards of construction quality, prove that excellent partnerships can be successful in the public sector too.
The article as published in the magazine:
“The renovation of KEP Victoria attempts to redefine two main issues: the relationship between the citizen and civil services and between employee and workspace. These two parameters are parts of an ‘equation’ that is solved with a human-centric approach.
The space was designed as a well-proportioned, functional, and pleasant workplace with clearly divided functions. Special attention was given to the secretarial support which, being the state’s ‘face’ towards the citizens, helps them receive a faster and better service. The secretary directs the citizens towards the main request space, as well as the secondary request space (signature certifications etc). Behind those spaces and inaccessible to the public are the request processing office, the direction office, an archive and a new accessible WC.
The deciding factor for the material selection was budget efficiency and construction standardization. The interior was mainly painted dark blue. A suspended construction of white aluminum slats and linear lights was hung below the dark blue ceiling.The counters were constructed with white bakelite (the base) and oak wood (the counter).
The repetitive triangle motif is the main decorative pattern both in the interior and the facade. The triangle is a reference to the first urban planning of the city of Athens, and with its simple design it can become the Service Center’s new symbol. On the wall, behind the service counter, triangles form a map of the area overlaid by a photograph of the characteristic Victoria train station; built in the 1930s, it is a local landmark, and a listed monument.”
Commissioner: DAEM, Municipality of Athens
Architectural design – supervision: Α2 Architects
Construction: EPIKYKLOS construction company
Project managers: Sotiris Anifantis, Nikos Ioannou, Pari Argiraki
Lighting design: Anastassia Philipopoulou
Year: February 2018
