athens-based architecture studio pieris architects has introduced a new proposal for the metropolitan sea airport to be constructed on an existing pier at the eleusis port, in greece. drawing influence from the location name ‘eleusis’, which is etymologically and historically linked to the concept of the ‘journey’, the project generates an environment where the traveler’s journey begins as soon as they step within it, and not upon arrival to the destination. 

pieris architects merges sustainablity and culture into sea airport design in greece
view of green roof
all images courtesy of pieris architects

 

 

the metropolitan sea airport by pieris architects has been designed as a low energy consumption hybrid building, which also serves as a commercial and cultural hub, housing functions such as restaurants, cafes, conference centers, exhibitions spaces, shops etc. the building extends linearly along the pier and rises circularly in two levels. this circular arrangement of spaces ensures unobstructed views towards the horizon, the saronic gulf and the island of salamis from almost every part of the building. 

pieris architects merges sustainablity and culture into sea airport design in greece
aerial view

 

 

upon entering, the traveler meets the heart of the sea airport, an interior atrium, where two architectural elements in dialogue with each other, create an intermediate space of circulation, rest, exploration, making reference to the country’s complex geomorphology. the first element is a glass ceiling, which contains planted ‘timber vessels’ floating in it, like boats in the sea. meanwhile, the second one is an embossed floor with ‘social contours’, a relief that consists of amphitheatrical seating, planting, and integrated display cabinets that serve as info points.

pieris architects merges sustainablity and culture into sea airport design in greece
main entrance from the boarding platform

 

 

the volume of the waiting areas along the pier is pierced with atriums, which contain endemic plants from various parts of greece. the atriums emphasize the sustainable nature of the project and encourage travelers to witness the seasonal changes from the inside. here, the architects have taken the ‘DNA’ of a conventional transport and infrastructure transit building, to modify it towards sustainability. the general concept of a sea airport responds with this idea since seaplanes are known to have no impact on the air quality, water quality, soil quality, wildlife & hydrology. they are one of the few forms of transport that have the least impact on the environment.

pieris architects merges sustainablity and culture into sea airport design in greece
check-in points, central atrium

 

 

even though there have been significant efforts to restore eleusis’ deteriorating image, the stereotype of the industry-damaged city remains. the metropolitan sea airport, by marking eleusis’ transition from an industrial to a sustainable future, will become a landmark capable of giving a new sense of place, increasing the influx of tourists and the local employment opportunities.  

pieris architects merges sustainablity and culture into sea airport design in greece
waiting-departure area

pieris architects merges sustainablity and culture into sea airport design in greece
cantilever of conference room

pieris architects merges sustainablity and culture into sea airport design in greece
night view render

seafront hybrid cultural topography of green infrastructure 8
site plan

seafront hybrid cultural topography of green infrastructure 9
ground floor

seafront hybrid cultural topography of green infrastructure 10
floor plan

 

 

project info:

name: attica metropolitan seaplane port
author site: pieris architects
project team: stella pieri, pieros pieris

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom