X in Box Ironwork
The usage of x in box ironwork is extremely common in modern Athenian architecture. I have most commonly seen it on large doors and apartment balconies. Its functional purpose appears to be for security and for railing but I’ve also noticed it being used as simple decorations. Although it is typically seen in iron, this feature is occasionally represented in other materials, such as concrete.
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There is essentially nothing to be found on this motif in architectural literature but it appears to be a feature on buildings spanning from the earliest buildings in modern Athens to the buildings of the 21st century. Whether that be because it is a feature that can be easily replaced or added to a building as security needs increase or because it has some greater significance in modern Greek architecture is unclear.
The two doors pictured are from the entry to the Academy of Athens and a side entrance door at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. In the first door the central cross point is embellished by a small disc, additionally the second door contains similar discs at each of the non-central cross points. When repeated, best seen on the door to the University of Athens, the strong geometric motifs are highlighted forcing your eye to flicker back and forth between squares, diamonds, triangles, etc.
The format of the ironwork likely provides increased structural stability. Additionally, the x in box motif also complements the symmetry and strong vertical and horizontal lines of modernist architecture.
This motif appears to be especially Greek to me because of its prevalence throughout Athens and the rest of the country. From what I have noticed in America, ironwork used for protection is often in vertical bars. While ironwork in countries such as Italy favour ornately crafted ironwork for balconies and window coverings. During my travels elsewhere in Greece, especially in Corfu, I noticed the Italian style of ironwork mingling with the Greek style ironwork. On the other hand, when countries erect government buildings in the simplified classical style they often incorporate the x in box motif either through ironwork or other materials.
