Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
room) mirroring the Parthenon with the same number of columns (clad in steel)
and a glass floor overlooking excavated ruins in situ.
SStavrros Nia
al CentterrThe Pritzker Prize-winning archi-
tect Renzo Piano is designing the SNFCC. Plans include new venues for the Nation-
al Library of Greece, the National Opera and the National Ballet School, to be set
amid natural surroundings that will also feature anagora(market) and a canal that
will link the park (at the old horse-racing tracks in Faliro) with the sea. Completion
is due in 2015.
Pla
s Niarrcchos F
s Fouunddattiion''s C
s Cult
ultuural C
Planettarrium
ium(
Click here
)
This is the world's largest digital hemispherical dome,
providing 360-degree 3D virtual rides through the galaxy.
Athens Olympic Complex
(OAKA: 210 683 4777;
www.oaka.com.gr
; Marousi;
mtero Irini)Notable for Spanish architect Santiago Calavrata's striking ultramod-
ern glass-and-steel roof, which is suspended by cables from large arches.
Modern Ideas
Athens today is embracing a sophisticated look-both-ways architectural aesthetic by
showcasing its vast collection of antiquities and archaeological heritage in evolutionary
buildings, and by beautifying landscapes for pedestrian zones to improve the urban en-
vironment. Examples include the well-designed facelift of the historic centre, including
its spectacular floodlighting (designed by the renowned Pierre Bideau) of the ancient
promenade, and the cutting-edge spaces emerging from once-drab and derelict industrial
zones, such as the Technopolis gasworks arts complex in Gazi.
