SNFCC, Athens : Architecture Information + Images

SNFCC, Athens Renzo Piano Building Workshop On 23 Mar 2009 the contract agreement for the SNFCC was signed with the Government and involved parties. Specifically, by the legal representatives of the: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND FINANCE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MINISTRY OF CULTURE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT Aswell as the: GREEK NATIONAL OPERA NATIONAL LIBRARY OF GREECE HELLENIC PUBLIC REAL ESTATE CORPORATION OLYMPIC PROPERTIES S.A. Renzo Piano : Environmentally Progressive Concept Design for Athen’s Modern Urban Icon, The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) Renzo Piano's conceptual sketch Master plan model concept East Elevation Section - Library Section - Opera Section - Library, close up Ground floor plan Master plan model Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) The Board of Directors of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Renzo Piano Building Workshop, a world-renowned architectural firm, revealed the concept design on January 24th, 2009 for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), housing the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, both set within the Stavros Niarchos Park. The SNFCC, the first public-private endeavor of its kind within the Greek State, will create a new urban icon to enable both Greek citizens and global visitors to experience art, education and green space. In its creation of the SNFCC and its collaboration with Renzo Piano, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation was inspired by its strong ties to Greece, its enduring mission of enriching the lives of citizens from around the world, and its commitment to preserving the natural environment. State-of-the-Art & Environmentally Progressive SNFCC will be located at the Faliron Delta area in Athens, Greece and will include the latest in environmentally progressive, state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to increased exposure to the arts and access to green space, both physical and virtual guests will benefit from the technologically advanced library. RPBW also paid particular attention to the accessibility for people of all ages and special needs. In keeping with SNF’s and RPBW’s mission to create an emissions neutral facility, the project has been conceptualized with the highest standards of environmental sustainability. A pivotal design element that will play a significant role in helping achieve this aggressive standard can be seen in Piano and his Building Workshop’s innovative roof– a series of interconnected photovoltaic cell panels which will cover the structure’s needs, taking advantage of the pure “green” solar and wind energy. SNFCC is also expected to receive LEED certification. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. “Athens’ First Port” Another fundamental attribute incorporated into SNFCC is the sea, which has played an important role in Greece’s history and culture. To draw in the sea’s sense of light, limitless opportunity and exploration, a canal will run parallel to the existing Espalanade. Within the border of SNFCC, the canal will provide visitors a chance for family gatherings, activity, and relaxation, also playing the role of levee. “We were extremely honored by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s invitation to play a role in such a generous gift to Greece,” noted Renzo Piano. “The Cultural Center’s proximity to water, and the natural warm breezes and light of Athens were particularly inspiring during the design process. It was immediately clear that we must take advantage of all these elements to ultimately design a zero emissions building that expresses movement and energy.” SNFCC is expected to open in 2015 and its construction will be funded exclusively by SNF with an approximate budget of 450 million Euros, pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding executed with the Greek State. A final agreement with the Greek Government describing the work was signed commencing the project. Once completed, the project will be turned over to the Greek State. The site is approximately 187,800 square meters. Athens Building About The Stavros Niarchos Foundation The Stavros Niarchos Foundation, an international philanthropic organization, underwrites charitable activities in four primary areas: education, social welfare, health and medicine, and arts and culture. The Foundation supports selective programs and makes grants to non-profit organizations throughout the world, many of which promote, maintain, and preserve Greek heritage and culture. Since its inception in 1996, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation has provided total grant commitments of $US 361,254,582 to more than 1,500 non-profit organizations in Greece and abroad, in more than 86 nations around the world. The Foundation is administered by a Board of Directors composed of: Philip Niarchos, Spyros Niarchos, Andreas Dracopoulos – Co-Presidents and members of the Board, as well as Donald Harrison, Kurt Arnold and Jeffrey K. Brinck. In Greece, an Advisory Committee researches and recommends to the Foundation’s Board various nonprofit organizations and projects for funding. Its Chairman Emeritus is Constantine Dracopoulos. The Advisory Committee is comprised of George Agouridis - Chairman, Costas Iordanidis, Panagiotis Koulouvaris, Ádonis Kyrou, Ánna Pouskouri-Reiche, Protopresbyter Thomas Synodinos, Åleni Triantafyllides, Åftychios Voridis and Yerassimos Yannopoulos. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Design images from SNF 260309