Exarcheia is a community in central Athens which has a history of revolution and anarchy. Over the last 6 decades, the battle between the people of Exarcheia and the powers at be has resulted in the loss of numerous lives. In a recent move from the government, the local square which acted as a gathering and protesting space for the locals has been closed for the implementation of a Metro entrance. Koinomas, derived from the words for community 'Koinonia' and the collective possessive word 'mas' in Greek, is a co-housing scheme which facilitates the creative expression of the Anarchist community in Athens. A community hub for 'Anarchist Artisans'.
The two lower levels of the scheme offer large open spaces and high ceilings which connect the inside to the streets and pathways. The internal courtyard combined with the steel arched shading frame, allows the warm sunlight to penetrate all corners of the building in a controlled manner. These lower levels consist of a public café, speakers corner, gallery space and graffiti wall, as well as a radio room for a local shortwave anarchist radio station.
The upper levels contain six loft apartments with ample space for a small family. Each Apartment has a shared or individual internal balcony, maximising use of the ample light. Apartments and apertures are designed in a way to enable views both internally and externally, whilst controlling the effect of incident heat form the sun. Residents also have a communal space for socialising and cooking among other activities which is spread out across two levels. The scheme is also integrated with the adjacent apartment block, utilising their courtyard for the occupants.
