The Architect Show, Athens: focus on architectural innovation and sustainable practices

With so many architecture and design trade shows taking place around the world each year, it can be challenging to identify which ones offer exhibitors and visitors a genuinely useful and valuable experience. In recent years there has been a trend towards more local events that provide opportunities for industry professionals to make meaningful connections with potential partners. Since it was established in 2019, The Architect Show has become an important forum for Greece’s architecture community, bringing together representatives from national and international brands that support the country’s vibrant real estate market.

The Architect Show is a two-day event aimed exclusively at architecture and design professionals that takes place each December at the Athens Metropolitan Expo. The show is a platform for companies that develop innovative materials and construction technologies across categories including surfaces, furniture, lighting, technology, security systems, hardware and building products. It is attended by architects, designers, engineers and real estate businesses, all looking to discover new products and partners for future projects. In 2022, over 150 companies exhibited and the event drew more than 6,000 visitors. They came together to exchange knowledge and ideas related to their own businesses, while also engaging with a range of key topics through a curated programme of seminars, conferences and lectures.

A key focus of The Architect Show is sustainability, which inspired a special installation called Waste Not Want Not that was prominently located at the entrance to the 2022 fair. The exhibition, curated by architect John Veikos and lighting designer Anna Sbokou, explored the topic of waste within the building industry, demonstrating how unwanted materials can be repurposed by applying creativity and craftsmanship. 'We wanted a way to make the visitor, and ourselves, understand the value of what we throw away,’ explains Veikos, ‘in a way that would provide a common ground to compare and contrast the materials and become convinced in the value of what we are proposing – waste not want not, how to build to rebuild.'

The installation featured a wall clad with specially developed surface finishes made entirely from waste, along with texts explaining how they might be applied in an architectural context. Beneath a bespoke reflecting chandelier, several sculptures presented innovative and playful applications of waste materials including marble slabs, glass and kitchen waste. Finally, piles of raw waste materials demonstrated how much embodied carbon is contained within scrap stone, metal and wood. This simple exhibit offered a visual reminder of how the building industry needs to reduce its carbon footprint in the near future.

As stated by Sbokou, ‘The purpose of the installation was to generate discussion on the matters of reuse, recycling and even upcycling in the built environment, by becoming aware of the impact our designs have in the fabrication process and – by consequence – the environment. Following the principle that one person’s waste is another person’s treasure, there was a deliberate decision made to display the objects and the large wall in a gallery-like setup, with more dramatic lighting, elevating them to fine art.’

Another highlight of last year’s event was a presentation of important architectural works curated by DAAily Platforms AG and The Architect Show’s organisers, MEDEXPO. The installation showcased projects submitted to the ArchDaily Building of the Year 2022 competition by Greek and international practices including MOLD Architects, decaARCHITECTURE, Urban Soul Project, MVRDV, Selgascano and Kengo Kuma & Associates. This inspirational presentation provided insight into some of the most innovative projects completed in Greece and around the world in recent years.

With its national focus and international outlook, The Architect Show is now firmly established as a key event for European architects, designers and suppliers. Its high standards of creative direction and networking opportunities have attracted praise from visitors and exhibitors including Slobodan Stojic, Sales Manager at leading wood products manufacturer, Egger. ‘We are very happy to participate in this great event because we come into contact with professionals who understand the concept of design and aesthetics,’ he says. ‘We are happy to have so many people from our business field and present our products and novelties in face to face communication. There is great growth in our industry and we will definitely be here for years to come.’

With many more exciting exhibits, projects and seminars planned for the upcoming edition, scheduled for 8-9 December 2023, there are plenty of reasons to add The Architect Show to your calendar for some end-of-year inspiration. Another of last year’s exhibitors, Sergi Gimeno, who is export area manager for outdoor furniture and lighting brand Vondom, is already looking forward to the connections he will make at the show. 'It’s a great opportunity to participate in this event,’ he adds. ‘If you want to be present and communicate with architects and interior designers, this is the right place to be.’

© Architonic

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