Restoration of neoclassical facades
The characteristics of the architecture of Neoclassicism are stability, solidity, grandeur and stem from the desire to create a world that is pure, simple and majestic, corresponding to the classic.
The buildings are distinguished for the monochrome, clean surfaces with the linear decorations and the minimal embossed elements, for the gables, the free colonnades and the other details that are found in the ancient classical temples.
Neoclassical buildings are high, each floor more than 4 m, have some general features such as symmetrical floor plan, symmetrical placement of windows, tall columns, generally Doric but sometimes Ionic, and many times end in triangular gables.
With the establishment of the Greek state, the settlements began to grow, and come out of the walls of the fortresses. Greece was built in a neoclassical manner. This was a very important and strong model. It affected everything. Thus, in the islands, those who had traveled, merchants, ship owners, etc, started to build neoclassical homes.
My first communion with the spirit and elegance of neoclassical buildings were during my studies at A.T.E.S. (former Doxiadis) Art and Design School in Athens. We have done some imprints of neoclassical buildings of Plaka area near Acropolis. I was so fascinated by the richness and pluralism of them.
Many years later, when I was asked, by the owners of one of the few buildings with these characteristics, on Paros, to restore it for them, I was thrilled. I read a lot, went to Syros, where one can find a vast example of Greek neoclassicism, to study more about them and eventually felt ready to do the big step to undertake the task.
I was lucky to find a group of skilled plaster craftsmen who new the job, as they have been working in Athens for years and we did it!!
Last year, we did the fourth restoration and I do hope that we will continue to do so, as in the two main market streets of Parikia the capital of Paros are many more.
