RESTORATION OF FIVE LISTED BUILDINGS

Our comprehensive design proposal comprises the functions and forms of these properties as well as their restoration scheme, considering a set of general principles and the decisions regarding our philosophy for intervention.

Problems arose in our effort to adapt large scale spaces (areas for financial transactions, exhibitions, events) to spaces that were originally designed for smaller scale use (shops, offices). These problems were compounded when the separate buildings had to be consolidated to construct areas that would be used as a stock exchange, conference hall and museum.

The way several facilities had to be arranged at level A – bank at the ground floor, office areas at the upper floors – corresponded to the existing layout which helped to maintain and reinforce the building’s structural integrity. Facilities are different in nature and scale in the other buildings, compared to the way areas were initially designed. About buildings Β-C, apart from the shops constructed on the ground level, financial transactions will take place on the first and second floor of the consolidated buildings whilst another floor will be constructed to serve as the conference hall. Building E will accommodate a Musical Instrument Museum where adjacent areas will be used as labs, a library and for training purposes. Building D is the key area to achieve vertical service and connection with the conference hall and the museum. The buildings’ facades were conserved and restored.