NET CASE STUDY - 2

Outdoor Sports Facilities of the German School of Athens / Katerina-

Olympia Daskalaki + Myrto Matala

Architects: Katerina-Olympia Daskalaki,

Myrto Matala
Area: 10180 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Babis Louizidis, Katerina
Glinou, Nikolas Kargadouris
Manufacturers: ECORASTER HELLAS, Gibbon
Group, HRT, Hilti, INTERCHEMOL, KOMPAN,
Mapei, VINEX OLYMPIC

The German School of Athens's new outdoor sports facilities is part of a large-scale project that won the First
Prize in the invited architectural competition regarding the: "New Design of the outdoor spaces of the German
School of Athens Campus". The aim of the project is the functional and aesthetic integration of the existing
areas of the complex with the outdoor space of the athletic facilities, based on the current, revised
requirements of the institution. The personal connection with the school, which has been a space for growth,
development, and maturity until graduation, allows for an internal perception and understanding of its needs.
It also familiarizes us with the outdoor spaces of the school and the problems they face.

The proposal is related to the main building, which exemplifies the modern architectural style of the
1960s in a dual manner based on the balance between discipline and freedom, utilizing a corresponding
synthetic tool. The existing main building was designed by the German architect Hans Graf Praschma and
the detailed design and supervision was conducted by Greek architect Pavlos Mylonas. By renovating and
redeveloping the athletic facilities, the goal is to enhance the overall experience for students and
athletes. The project seeks to create a functional and visually appealing environment that meets the
updated standards set by the institution. The new athletic facilities include among others a running track,
high jump, long jump, shot put, tennis, volleyball, handball and basketball courts, tennis training wall,
bouldering wall, outdoor exercise areas, and slackline
 The basic tool used for the design concept of the outdoor athletic facilities is a grid system
combined -and in contradiction- with a zig-zag line-a polygonal chain that defines the
boundaries of the campus plot. This chain is expressed as a continuous line of concrete
tribunes and benches. In this way, the geometry of the outline on the perimeter and the grid
of the inner area organize the multitude of required functions and integrate previously
unused zones into the sports area. The coloring variation of the floorings is also a main aspect
of the project used to highlight the grid of the sports fields. The bright colors are chosen in
order to designate the recreational character of physical activity and motivate children to
exercise and play in a contemporary and vivid space.

The basic tool used for the design concept of the outdoor athletic facilities is a grid system
combined -and in contradiction- with a zig-zag line-a polygonal chain that defines the boundaries
of the campus plot. This chain is expressed as a continuous line of concrete tribunes and benches.
In this way, the geometry of the outline on the perimeter and the grid of the inner area organize the
multitude of required functions and integrate previously unused zones into the sports area. The
coloring variation of the floorings is also a main aspect of the project used to highlight the grid of
the sports fields. The bright colors are chosen in order to designate the recreational character of
physical activity and motivate children to exercise and play in a contemporary and vivid space.

PLAN