Museum for the mythical Ship of Argo in Volos

Distinction in the Pan-Hellenic Architectural Competition

The project design concerns to an Architectural Competition for the «Museum for the Argo» in the city of Volos.

Two etching-systems, one stable and one more mobile “hold” the new Museum. The stable system abides to the geometries of the existing site (plot), and it mainly contains supporting spaces of the Museum. The mobile system is defined by its “twist“ and contains the extrovert exhibition spaces. This turn of the volume indicates the endless journey of the mythical ship Argo.

Basic element of the main concept and structure of the Museum is the unfolding of a vertical route, which starts on the outdoor space of the main entrance in order to connect with the main body of the building and introduce an upward “journey” to the visitor. Argo is slowly revealed with the gait of the visitor. This gradual approaching is achieved by the endless vertical movement around the boat.

An extensive water surface on which Argo flows and the simultaneous immersion of the space transforms the surface into a “container” of social life.

The gradation of the light, from the semi light, which dominate in the perimeters’ areas away from the center, to the bright space of the main exhibit in combination with the upwards exhibition route defines the rhythm and the alterations of the visitor’s promenade, the phases and the climax of the journey.