The New AIGLI Zappeiou
There is an aura surrounding Aigli. First constructed in 1904 as a small cafe in the heart of the National Gardens in Athens, Greece, adjacent to the famous neoclassical Zappeion exhibition hall, it has been a hub of Athenian social life for more than 120 years. But it has also been a landmark, a common reference point in the city, an important part of the collective Athenian imagination. The new Aigli builds on this legacy but aims to widen its reach to be more inclusive, democratic, open, and dynamic. It will welcome – and help catalyze – a more eclectic definition of what it means to be Athenian.
In designing the architecture of the new Aigli we had to be very careful archaeologists of this nuanced cultural and material history, but also astute observers of the current culture of Athens. What has Aigli meant to Athenians in the past? What could it mean today and in the future?
Our response was first to look closely. Look at the history, at the building, at Zappeio, at the National Gardens, at the city of Athens. Second, we developed a design language that is both/and… both classical and contemporary, both contextual and exotic, both raw and refined. We embraced a kind of ornamental minimalism that acknowledged and incorporated the existing classical columns, patterned marble, and ornate woodwork, but also stripped it all back, quieted it down, and attempted to foreground the people, food, and art against a background architecture. And finally, we expanded the reach of the building to include the surrounding gardens and public spaces. The building had historically turned inwards, with most of the windows along its back closed off from public view, and the terraces walled in from the adjacent walkways. In the new design we fully embrace the unique beauty of the National Gardens, opening up views, terraces, and access wherever possible, and forming interior planters that literally bring the gardens inside.
We believe the architecture of the new Aigli complex must be unique, welcoming, heterogeneous, historic, and contemporary. Each of the many varied venues contained within – the All-Day Cafe, Fine Dining Restaurant, Cinema, Event Space, Music Venue, Conference Center, Art Gallery, Outdoor Lounge, Party Room, etc. – must have a unique identity, while also sharing a common DNA of design elements and materials. The new Aigli is therefore conceived of as a container of compelling contrasts, an ecosystem of social exchanges, a single landmark destination with multiple attractions – each with is own distinct features and design concepts.
The first two venues to open within the New Aigli complex are the Aigli All-Day Café and the Aigli Restaurant.
AIGLI ALL-DAY
The All-Day Café is a casual yet refined hub in the heart of the city. It is a 320 seat indoor/outdoor space for eating, drinking, meeting, reading, working, and socializing in the tradition of the grand cafes of 19th century Greece and Europe. Four gestures organize and define the character of the project.
First, locally sourced green Tinos marble is spread across the full interior up to a new datum at bar height, creating a refined liner at all points of human contact. Importantly, the marble joints are left rough, informal, like an exterior garden terrace.
Second, a 20m long marble bar extends the full length of the historic double height main space, containing coffee, juices, cocktails, food stations, and a DJ booth that will continuously activate the large space throughout the day.
Third, a large window is opened up into the main kitchen, visually connecting the space of culinary production with the space of consumption, creating a vibrant theatrical performance within the dining space. Large windows at the back of the kitchen create a unique connection with the National Gardens beyond, directly linking the street, the café, the kitchen, and the gardens.
Finally, to further accentuate the connection with the gardens, two planters are formed in the center of the dining room, with large Ficus trees that invite visitors to gather under their canopies.
An expansive indoor and outdoor dining area offers flexible seating arrangements, designed to accommodate a variety of group sizes and uses—from a parent relaxing with a coffee while their children play, to larger gatherings savoring a full dinner service, to late night crowds gathering at the bar. The new design enhances functionality by rethinking the spatial flow, optimizing it for dining and events, while respecting the building’s historic form. Flexible zones within the restaurant, allow it to adapt to different group sizes and types of events without feeling compartmentalized. This means it can easily transition from an intimate dinner setting to a larger event space, while maintaining a cohesive ambiance.
AIGLI RESTAURANT
In contrast to the All-Day Café, with its democratic and buzzing atmosphere, the Restaurant creates pockets of intimacy and luxury. Situated amongst the adjacent tree canopies, the 150-seat indoor/outdoor fine dining restaurant is designed to both take advantage of breathtaking views of the Acropolis and the National Gardens. A crucial element of the design is maintaining these panoramic vistas, ensuring that guests can fully enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the space. The distinctive red and white triangular patterned marble floor is revealed and refurbished, and then echoed in the contemporary wood inlay pattern designed for the ceiling. Generous and sensuous booths line the edges of the space. A sculptural bar creates a central hinge around which all activity circles. We infuse the venue with layers of color and texture, woven into the design through custom furniture and soft furnishings, creating a rich and inviting dining atmosphere.
