CAMPUS GATE, UNIVERSITY OF IOANNINA
Our approach of the gate leading to the campus of the University of Ioannina was not simply that of designing a checkpoint, which was in fact what we had been asked to do.
A gate to a University campus of such significance, situated in the middle of nowhere, might assume a certain identity if it were to provide a series of small additional services, so that apart from simply serving control purposes it might also offer a meeting spot, a place where one can make a phone call, where an ATM machine might be found, and perhaps – why not – a place where one might enjoy a cup of coffee at a belvedere. In other words, it might take on the character of a landmark, signalling entrance to the campus, but also illuminating the surrounding area at night like a great lamp in the dark. Our proposal for that isolated place was that three out of the four towers comprising the structure, raised 3,5 meters above the ground, would house an equal number of dovecotes, keeping company to the guards, the topmost part of which would be planted with scrambling plants filling the gate with colour when in full bloom.
The project was approved by the University’s Technical Council and Technical Services and was subsequently auctioned. But the Senate unexpectedly decided to discuss the matter without notifying us and the proposal was ultimately rejected.
A66: SA, DA
Collaborating architects: A. Platanioti, X, Tsioni