Katerina Tsigarida
For Greek architect Katerina Tsigarida, designing a building is more than anything a poetic statement. Passionate for both historical and avant-garde architecture, her work bridges old and new through a deep sense of harmony underpinned by simplicity and balance. Walking a tightrope between tradition and modernity, she solemnly anchors her designs in the historical and physical context, employing materials intimately connected to the site and imposing strict order through geometry. The result is a rich portfolio of projects, from large public works such as the New Helexpo Gates, East Metropolitan Axis and new White Tower square in Thessaloniki where her architectural practice is based in, to intimate island retreats and restoration of historic houses. Frequently featured in international publications and periodicals, Katerina’s work is imbued with lyrical realism and yet can only be described as contemporary. We recently caught up with Katerina to ask her about her inspirations, favourite destinations, and the things closer to her heart.
Photo: Katerina Tsigarida, photo by Kostas Amiridis.
A project you’re most proud of?
The Primitive Hut of 2000 in Pelion, for which Peter Davey said, "We felt that Odysseus could have come home to it".
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Always from the Topos and the Genius Loci.
Which art you are most inspired by?
Suprematism, Archaic and Cycladic art.
A timeless design piece you own?
Eileen Grey's Tube Lights.
What’s an accessory you had for ages?
Two of Zolotas' archaic series rings from the '80s.
Favourite destination and hotel?
Imaret, Kavala.
What do you miss most when traveling?
The quiet, easy, simple and mostly doing-nothing living.
Which city would you choose to live in if you had to move?
"I can go hungry anywhere" as Herr Keuner says in Brecht's work.
A timeless design piece you own?
Eileen Grey's Tube Lights.
What’s an accessory you had for ages?
Two of Zolotas' archaic series rings from the '80s.
Favourite destination and hotel?
Imaret, Kavala.
What do you miss most when traveling?
The quiet, easy, simple and mostly doing-nothing living.
Which city would you choose to live in if you had to move?
"I can go hungry anywhere" as Herr Keuner says in Brecht's work.
What souvenirs would you bring back home?
Stones, paper shopping bags and museum catalogues.
Your latest discovery?
Glencuilt in Scotland, and most lately, tisane made from bitter orange blossoms.
Favourite museums?
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Musée Rodin in Paris, the Archaeological Museum of Naxos and La Specola in Florence for their unique time capsule feeling. Also, the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Marine Antiquities Museum of Piraeus, both competition entries by Katerina Tsigarida Architects, for staying tuned to the future. And lastly, my dream project, "DIACHRONO", the open-air museum in Despotiko, a small uninhabited Cycladic island, which features circular rooms without walls, and ancient and new geometric paths - a work of land art which Jannis Kounellis would have come back home for.
What is on your bookshelf?
All sorts of books, archaeology, history, lots of classic literature, and art.
Who is your favourite hero or heroine in fiction?
Pollyanna in "The glad game".
What quote do you live by?
Μέτρον Άριστον
(eng: Everything in moderation)
Cleobulus, 6th Century BC.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Doing nothing but reading.
What is your most treasured possession?
A seashell of stunning beauty and innocence that was offered to me from the seabed off the island of Despotiko.
