Averof building highlights capital’s neoclassical past
The Greek capital’s neoclassical past was showcased by the National Technical University of Athens’ Averof building which hosted the 350 Greek and foreign participants of the eighth international conference of the European Architectural History Network (EAHN), which concluded on Saturday.
However, unease remains among students and faculty about the future of the facility should the posters, banners and graffiti that have plagued Greek university buildings return.
The unique 19th century frontispiece was designed by Greek architect Lysandros Kaftantzoglou (1811-1885). Although over the years the administrations went out of their way to ensure that the two-story building would remain outside the distressing Greek academic reality, this was not always possible.
Despite its special status after the radical restoration works of 2003-2010, which even won a Europa Nostra Grand Prize for 2012 (it closes every night after classes and there is a security guard), the Averof building is often a target of extreme elements who consider the place their playground.
