Cover photo by Yudong Zhang

IRIS ATHANASIADI
Part II Architectural Assistant/ Choreographer

irisathanasiadi@gmail.com
+44 77 6900 8261
www.irisath.com
Choreographing space
A design methodology based on human movement

This thesis project perceived human movement as ‘inscription in space’ and developed a methodology of spatial
composition that was inspired and based on a bodycentric perception of architecture. The everyday movements
studied were organized in a movement vocabulary, recorded through a motion capture camera and processed in
Grasshopper and 3D Rhinoceros. This methodology was applied to a case story; a sculptural installation placed in a
park which stimulates kinaesthesia and invite exploration through physical movement. The sculptures are organized
in a narrative path of ‘episodes’ which are interpreted as ‘movement scenarios’.
Movement Trace Cluster Meaning
Public outdoor activities park
Reimagining a walk by the sea

A landscape design proposal for the modern hotel ‘Aptera Beach Resort’ in Chania, Crete which was abandoned in
1997 and half-demolished in 2008. The remaining concrete frame is an attraction to many local mural artists, cyclists,
street dancers, and skateboarders who have turned this space into a makeshift park. The proposal aimed to preserve
this character and invite further outdoor activities by placing five stainless steel canopies across the main path, a
small rest area and a wooden skateboard ramp inside the existing pool frame. All the elements are distinguisable from
the original structure and can be removed leaving the existing frame intact.

A -A

B-B

Γ-Γ

Ε-Ε

Works of time: Condition of the exsiting concrete structure

South elevation: The verticality of the columns interrupts the horizontality of the platforms

Daydreaming by the sea: The rest area

West elevation: Platforms for action by the sea

 steel frame

glass
rubber
aluminium profile

hollow section

beam

Stainless steel canopies: Framing the walk

A canvas for artists: Water blasting old graffiti tags from concrete to create a space for murals
An invitation for action: A place of expression and creativity
Academy of Performing Arts
An homage to cretan music and history

At the Lions Square in Heraklion, Crete there is an Academy to be built in honour of the famous cretan composer F.
Leontaritis (1518-1572). The Academy will provide rehearsal and educational spaces for activities like dance, theatre
and music, a large library with study spaces, a restaurant and a concert hall.

The main design axis takes into consideration the existing archeaological elements on site and is inpired by Leonta-
ritis’ contribution to polyphonic music, along with the form of fugue as the peak of polyphonic and contrapunctual
musical composition. The different spaces of the Academy are interpreted as the ‘voices’ of a fugue and engage in
dialogue with each other, as well as the historical landmarks near them (arches, Wall, St. Marcus church).

Compositional approach
The three ‘voices’ of the fugue are interpreted as three different zones of the Academy based on their function and relation to public space.
Voice 1: Public zone connecting the main square with the city park
Voice 2: Private zone hosting the main spaces of the Academy
Voice 3: Semi-public zone hosting independent space which are connected to the Academy with the upper level
The old and the new: The Academy in dialogue with St. Marcus church and remains of the Venetian walls
Bodyscapes
An embodied architectural experience

Bodyscapes is a 5+ years research project which discusses the performative nature of architecture and the architec-
tural quality of the body through a series of talks, workshops and performative experiences. The main focus of this
research is exploring architecture as a bodycentric experience and developing a methodology for designing spaces
that enhance the body’s sensory awareness while encouraging a poetic exchange between the body and the world.

Nest: feeling of being enclosed, protected, shelterred, together

Human perspective: levels, dynamics and points of view

Becoming the skin: textures and forms that converse with the body