The Metaxas regime and initial post-World War II conservatism Modern architecture in Athens

an apartment building short erkers between balconies. built after 1937.

although ioannis metaxas s dictatorship (1936–1941) didn t forcibly impose characteristic architectural style, nor banned modern architecture, awoke greek society s conservative ideas , influenced, result, architecture. public buildings still built according simplified classicism. example, municipal market of kypseli, inaugurated in 1937 dictator , designed architect alexandros metaxas (the 2 unrelated), includes classical cornice , small ionic capitals, despite fact special-purpose building.

something changed appearance of athenian buildings reduction of maximum possible protrusion of bay windows 1.4 metres 40 centimetres in 1937. architect , professor @ ntua kostas kitsikis had lobbied extensively change because thought builders , owners abused long bay windows in order build surface area could, turning athens bad copy of german , dutch cities.

post-war simplified classicism

the building of bodossaki foundation on amalias avenue. designed andreas ploumistos , completed in 1958. despite conservatism has nuances of modernism such façade grid.



two apartment buildings on aigyptou square, near pedion areos. savvidis s apartment building (left) designed in c. 1935 nikolaos nikolaidis in modern style. right apartment building built in 1950s in simplified classical style.

the simplified classicism of 1930s remained dominant , changed 1950s. again, public , other important buildings time apartment buildings decorated classically orientated ornaments. main entrance doors, railings, , lighting sconces made of richly decorated ironwork. often, columns used instead of railings. white marble used extensively, in entry halls spacious , white preferred colour of façades. however, in contrast pre-war simplified classicism, façades of newer buildings included grid formed balconies , thin vertical columns. many apartment buildings built during era in kolonaki , other central upscale neighbourhoods of athens designed architects preferred upper-middle class such emmanouil vourekas , konstantinos kapsampelis.