With the challenge of creating a new landmark on a floating platform, the ‘U-Topos’ proposal for the Faliro pier competition proposes a constructed “place”, a new “Land-” and a new “-mark”. Designed by Ksestudio, in an attempt to optimize climatic conditions, views and generate events, while developing an iconic identity, their project bends the given square platform to a “U” shape. The design is essentially a shell, an empty vessel, that frames the view towards the city and the sea, while signifying a gate, as small boats are allowed to park at the perimeter of the platform. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Located at the new Faliron Bay Park in Athens (master-plan by Renzo Piano), the project is situated at the extension of a major street, towards the water, the site is the last- or the first- plaza of the city and is charged with the potential to carry fragments of the Athenian urbanity into the sea. The form itself resembles a boat, referring to the adjacent port and the navy yards. The perimeter corridor of the platform is elevated to the top of the shell, creating a flying ring that ties the structure and performs as an observation deck, while weaving with the shell to create an outdoor exhibition space.
