The purpose of the study was to design the YMCA CULTURAL ACTIVITIES BUILDING, ASVESTOCHORI ANNEX at a private plot of 1.420m2, at Asvestochori community.

The building has a simple, yet dynamic and modern form and is organized thematically (music venues - sports facilities - recreation areas), ensuring a pleasant and familiar environment.

Key design goals were:

• The creation of a modern building, friendly to users
• Respect to the existing landscape and harmonic integration of the building into it
• Spaces organisation with a simple and easily understood manner
• Flexibility and adaptability of the spaces
• Application of bioclimatic architecture principles
• Adoption of innovative technologies aiming to improve the environment, reduce emissions and exploit alternative energy sources
• Ensure building’ s accessibility by reduced mobility people

Based on the Employer’ s building program, the design team chose to develop the building on the perimeter of the plot and to break it up into small, individual volumes that are facing south, in order to ensure the direct, natural light in most of the buildings spaces.

The building fits harmoniously into the surrounding urban fabric due to its small, scaled volumes. It is characterized by the simple geometric forms and transparency, attained through the glass facades and openings at the open area of the central court and to the side of the road, ensuring visual continuity of interior with exterior  spaces.

The building is developed at two levels, the ground floor -where sited main areas and building ‘ s entrances-, and the semi-basement. The vertical circulation is achieved with two internal staircases and a lift ensuring access for people with reduced mobility.

The building was designed to function optimally, grouping its activities and its spaces to be easily recognized and perceived. The different functions (teaching - recreation – sport activities) are grouped into different areas of the building, organized into wings, thus creating an inner square accessable by all public spaces. This introvert organization allows pool and inner square’ s protection of adverse weather conditions (eg strong winds), provides natural cooling to the building during the summer months, and offers maximum privacy.