Jewel Box / Panos Nikolaidis & Errica Protestou

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Text description provided by the architects. The jewelBOX accommodates two contradictory concepts. A monolithic mask, the building's exterior versus a fluid interior. The mask reveals the ground floor volume through an ornamental iron gate. A black rectangular column redirects the visitor towards its two sections. The retractable iron gate exposes another metal canterleveled 'sculpture' that, along with the linear lighting, leads to the first level.

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A dark wooden surface running along the wall masks the elevator door , frames the entrance and literally invades the otherwise bright light coloured space. At this point the visitor is 'trapped' within two perforated elements that mark the waiting area through which he can get glimpses of the white landscape wrapping around the perimeter of the space. This synthesis is abruptly interrupted by the roof that shoots up revealing the bright light coming through the huge glazing that frames the city.

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