GDM ASSETS
Maria Callas Academy of Lyric Art
- Client: Athens Anaplasis S.A.
- Architectural Design: NPL Architects, Dimitrios Leventis
- Structural Design: ASME Design & Consulting (Andreas Spiliopoulos – Maria Eleni Dasiou), Maria Villi Billi
- Electromechanical Design: Giannis Pappas, George Gotzamanis
- Conservation Study & Works: Lydia Pavlopoulou
- Location: Athens, Attica
- Completion Date: 2026
Restoration and reconstruction of the historic and preserved building at the corner of Patission and Skaramagkas streets to house the Maria Callas Academy of Lyric Arts. The five-story building, with an approximate total area of 1,600 square meters, is closely associated with Maria Callas, the world-renowned soprano, who resided there from 1937 to 1945.
REVIVING
Culture in the Heart of Athens
Known as the Papaleonardos Apartment Building, this is among the first reinforced concrete apartment blocks in Athens. It stands out for its distinctive architecture inspired by the European Jugendstil movement. With the highest respect for its unique character and minimal architectural alterations, the building is being transformed into an Academy of Lyric Arts that meets contemporary academic and construction standards, providing comprehensive university-level music education. Beyond advancing music education in Greece, the Academy’s operation—through the revival of this historic building—is expected to enrich cultural life and revitalise the centre of Athens.
CREATING
A Modern Academy for Lyric Art
The Maria Callas Academy of Lyric Arts will feature 24 classrooms, 2 reading rooms, a concert hall, exhibition space, offices, auxiliary areas, and a refreshment area. Restoration work involves demolition, targeted reinforcement of the structural framework across all floors, partial wall removal, repair and maintenance of the interior plaster decorations, and comprehensive repair and preservation of the façades and unique exterior decorative elements.
RESTORING
A Historic Landmark
To enhance the structural integrity of the building, new walls are constructed in four specific areas to effectively absorb most lateral forces. Selected floor slabs are reinforced using fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) and shotcrete. Additionally, many columns are strengthened with FRP fabrics to improve their ductility and shear capacity, and beams are similarly reinforced. On the northern side of the building, the stone masonry is fortified with shotcrete (gunite).
A notable feature of the building is the historic elevator, which retains its metal doors and wooden cabin. This elevator is being repaired with a modern mechanism while preserving its unique characteristics, allowing it to operate from the ground floor to the fourth floor. In parallel, the building is being upgraded to ensure full accessibility for individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges through the installation of a modern elevator, which will serve from the basement to the rooftop refreshment area.
FULFILLING
Modern Requirements and Standards
The building will comply with all current safety standards, including both active and passive fire protection systems. The reinforced structure will meet modern seismic design requirements as set by the Greek Intervention Code (KAN.EPE.). To optimize the Academy’s operation, all techniques for natural lighting, ventilation, and cooling are maximally utilized. Solar panels will be installed to provide hot water, supported by a heat pump, while all areas of the building will be heated and cooled via a VRV air conditioning system.
