This thesis concerns the design of a supralocal Day Care Centre in Athens and specifically in the area of Kolonos. The main objective is the development of an environment and framework which could function as a point of reference for the children, both as a shelter and a starting point.
Further to addressing basic needs, such as food and health, the day care centre aims to act as a learning centre, providing opportunities and stimuli, helping children to develop their imagination, creativity and social skills. Through organized activities, such as drawing, pottery, music and dance, children will be given the chance to discover new interests and talents.
From the early stages of the design procedure, the children’s freedom to circulate in a protected, hospitable and friendly environment acted as one of our main guidelines.
In an aim to differentiate from the ambiguity of the surrounding area, the concept is a clean and inviting gesture.
The interchange of different qualities of space, the transitions from indoors to outdoors and vice versa, dictated the mould of the subsequent spaces.
The orientation of the plot and its close proximity with a street of heavy traffic, acted as our first design parameters. The building is open towards the south and is closed on the side of the street. It develops following an upward spiral course around a central courtyard. The continuous flow of the structure is interrupted by a covered outdoor amphitheater and multipurpose area, and is released into an elevated dance room.
