“Tholos” (dome), Foundation of the Hellenic World, Athens

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client: Foundation of the Hellenic World
date:  2005
location:  Athens
architectural design: YAP, Atelier Yannis Tsiomis, N. Efremoglou
photos: Ch. Louizidis

Project Details

The “Tholos” building (or “Dome”) belongs to the first development phase of the “Hellenic World” Cultural Center in Pireos St. The building lies at the Northeast corner of the building, dominating the main elevation of the Cultural Center complex. It is a sphere containing a 124 seat amphitheatre, equipped to display 3D digital projections for educational purposes.

The projection screen is semi-circular in accordance with the shape of the dome. The plan is defined by the circular movement of the public within the building, a characteristic of performance spaces. Visitors initially enter the waiting-room, a balcony at first floor level. Then, people move to the Pre-show hall, where they are informed about the projections, and finally proceed to the entrance of the projection hall.

The “Dome” is a reinforced concrete construction, externally covered with an inox grid. The sphere is surrounded by metal rings used for lighting, which altogether resemble the image of a spinning planet travelling in space.