The Facade
A large portion of the buildings that line the main streets of Athens were constructed during the 20th century and reflect the European modern architecture movement. The Athenian version of modernism is generally identified by strong horizontal and vertical lines with large balconies and constructed primarily with reinforced concrete.
As the population grew the need for multi-resident buildings grew as well. The building boom of Athens initially occurred in the 1930s when modernism was at its height in Greece. Subsequently, Athens today is predominated by strong horizontal and vertical motifs. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, this motif also predominated ancient architecture. Although modernist buildings are not overtly drawing on ancient features (as seen below), there is still a subtle nod to antiquity through emphasised linear features.
Get Antiquity Within Modernity’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
In the central neighbourhoods of Athens, the buildings which standout against the modernist 20th century apartments are the brightly coloured, neoclassical buildings of the late 19th century. Buildings like the Commercial Association of Athens and the ATEbank both exude simplified neoclassical architecture.
In these buildings it’s much easier to see the influences of classical architecture. The Commercial Association of Athens is adorned with miniature pediments on each of the lower windows. While other details, such as the upper columns and the mutules (rectangular blocks with circular projections under the extended part of the roof), also refer to classical architecture.
The ATEbank reflects both neoclassical motifs and the Athenian Trilogy. This building incorporates faux engaged columns in the Corinthian order. Another major feature of neoclassical architecture is symmetry. Like the Commercial Association of Athens, this building is highly symmetrical not only vertically but horizontally.
The Ministry of the Interior is somewhat modelled after the stripped classism style of architecture that was popularised in the early 20th century. Highlights of this style and this building include: lack of ornamental features but retain the scale, symmetry, and linear features. This architectural style is typically used for constructing governmental or public buildings and is a staple in American government buildings.
