Observatory by Theofanis Bobotis Architects, Athens Greece

Theofanis Bobotis has worked in Greece and abroad for thirty years now. His work has been prominent throughout his illustrious career. He was included in World architecture’s 300 Architects of the world editions for 2001 and 2002, while recently the french edition Architecture Mediteraneenne featured a special article on his work. One of the most talked about and prominent recent projects of his is the Observatory building, in the fashion centre of Athens, Kolonaki. Athens has been steadily embellished with new and brilliantly designed buildings, and of course its fashion world could not be left out.

Observatory is cutting a swath in the very heart of fashionable Athens. Located in the extremely expensive Kolonaki neighbourhood, where all the big brand international fashion names have their flagship stores, it pops out with its quirky and modern architecture squeezed between old 30s and 50s buildings that comprise most of that area, along with some hideous 80s remnants.

The huge wooden frames that make up its façade distinguish the building from the boring grey of its neighbourhoods. The theatricality of this front view, with the interiors being framed and projected to the outside, makes for a very interesting concept in fashion retail. Instead of huge signs or graphic areas promoting the merchandise, architecture itself is the promoting medium here, making a bold statement to the unsuspecting walker in the city.

The concept of nature plays a fundamental role in the creation of a warm, homely atmosphere which, combined with the selected book collection, the collectors’ CDs especially compiled for Observatory, the candles and the in-house flower shop, enhances the ultimate lifestyle shopping experience. The building also houses an underground four storey parking lot, making it easier for shoppers to indulge to a spontaneous shopping spree in an area notoriously difficult to park.

Mr. Theophanis Bobotis and his partners Mr. E. Tsokas, Mr. L. Bobotis and Mr. P. Kaloxylou were fundamental in the materialization of the Observatory project. The participation of Ms Angela Patterson, retail concept designer, in the store’s interior design and architecture has also been very significant. Ms Patterson, well-established in the fashion world, has worked with many important companies, such as Calvin Klein and Bergdorf Goodman, and has also served as consultant to Donna Karan.

Among the people who worked hard and contributed to the amazing result evident in the Observatory store, we should mention Ms Alison Cook, retail creative director with over 10 years of successful presence in the world of fashion and has cooperated with famous designers, such as Donna Karan, and many important brand directors.