The Buzludzha Monument

The Brutalist architectural movement in Russia is characterized by its harsh, rough, and geometric designs, often described as resembling massive concrete spaceships. This architectural style, particularly popular in communist countries, is known for its stark and utilitarian appearance. Despite being criticized as too cold to be considered aesthetically pleasing, these imposing structures often manage to exhibit a captivating combination of sculptural beauty and unapologetic functionality.

Palace of Ceremonies (Wedding Palace), 1984

(Tbilisi, Georgia)

The Palace of Rituals, also known as the Wedding Palace, in Tbilisi was completed in 1984 and is considered a masterpiece by the architect Victor Djorbenadze. Similar to the cemetery complex, the wedding palace was designed to align life milestones with secular Soviet ideology, while also catering to the public's penchant for ritual. Djorbenadze envisioned a grand design for the wedding palace, incorporating features such as frescoes, a bell tower, and soaring interior spaces. Drawing on influences ranging from 1920s expressionism to medieval Georgian church architecture, the structure received mixed reviews from critics.

Makedonium – Ilinden Monument, 1974

(Kruševo, North Macedonia)

The Makedonium, constructed in 1974, stands as a powerful symbol of statehood and the enduring spirit of freedom for the Macedonian people. This remarkable structure, situated across 16 hectares of land, was skillfully designed by architects Jordan Grabulovski and Iskra Grabulovski. From its vantage point above the town of Krusevo, the Makedonium resembles a heart valve, topped with ten striking stained-glass skylights rising from its circular base. The monument complex's visual narrative unfolds as it begins with broken chains, leads into a crypt and a vibrant mosaic made of ceramic materials, and culminates in the distinctive building itself.

Druzhba Holiday Center Hall, 1984

(Yalta, Ukraine)

This futuristic building, overlooking the Black Sea, was designed by the renowned Soviet architect Igor Vasilevsky and completed in 1986. The architectural concept is heavily influenced by science fiction representations of future cities and the Soviet emphasis on maximizing public space in a futuristic style. Although the exterior of the building may seem imposing and angular, the interior features a spacious circular spa area that is bright and open. The distinctive spaceship-like design allows for private balconies and stunning views from most of the rooms. Additionally, the central area of the building houses social amenities including a saltwater pool, a cinema, and cafes.

The Bank of Georgia, 1970

(Tbilisi, Georgia)

The Bank of Georgia's headquarters is an 18-story building located on the outskirts of Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. It was completed in 1975 and originally served as the home of the Ministry of Highway Construction of the Georgian SSR. The building, designed by architect George Chakhava, is renowned for its distinctive appearance, which emulates stacked bricks and embodies the architectural principles of the Space City Method. This design concept aims to encourage greenery to flourish in and around the building. The structure comprises a grid of interconnected parts, with one part aligned on an east-west axis and two parts on a north-south axis.

The House of Soviets, 1970

(Kaliningrad, Russia)

Situated in the heart of Kaliningrad, The House of Soviets is a striking example of Russian brutalist architecture, designed by architect Yulian L. Shvartsbreim. Built on the site of the Königsberg Castle, which was heavily damaged during the Second World War, The House of Soviets holds great symbolic significance for the city. Although construction began in 1970, the building was never completed, yet it remains a significant urban landmark for the city's residents. Its distinctive shape has led to it is affectionately known as 'the face of the robot', as it bears a resemblance to a robot buried up to its neck, with only its face visible. 

The Faculty of Architecture Building, Belarusian National Technical University, 1983

(Minsk, Belarus)

Constructed in 1983, the Faculty of Architecture Building at the Belarusian State Technical University, also known as Building #15, the ship, or the airplane, is situated in Minsk. This remarkable structure was designed by architects I. Yesman and V. Anikin. At that time, the architects aimed to create a distinctive and memorable building, reflecting the principles of Soviet Monumentalism, without fully adhering to the preferences of the officials. Despite not being fully realized, it remains one of the most iconic buildings in both the city and the country.

Russian State Scientific Center for Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, 1973

(Saint Petersburg, Russia)

Established in 1987, the Russian State Scientific Center for Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, located in St. Petersburg, stands out as an iconic example of Soviet space architecture. Reflecting the prevailing theme of Soviet prowess in space exploration, the building's design, including a distinctive concertina-edged tower known as the White Tulip, is a testament to this ideology.

Het Poplakov Cafe, 1976

(Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine)

The Het Poplavok Cafe, constructed in 1976, can be found in Ukraine. Designed by architect Oscar Grigorievich Havkin, the building resembles a stationary flying saucer, seemingly suspended over the water, which creates a striking mirrored effect.

Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, 1981

(Shumen, Bulgaria)

The Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, built in 1981 to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian Empire, was designed by Krum Damyanov and Ivan Slavov. Situated in the heights of the town of Shumen, the monument rises almost 1,500 feet above sea level and is visible from up to 18 miles away. The sculptors crafted the kings and heroes to appear as towering giants of stone, creating a powerful and enduring representation of Bulgaria's history. The figures are positioned in high corners of a geometric building with soaring walls, accessible by a stern concrete staircase.

Fyodor Dostoevsky Theater of Dramatic Art, 1983

(Novgorod, Russia)

In 1983, renowned Soviet architect Vladimir Somov designed the Theater with the goal of making dramatic arts accessible to the masses. Its construction coincided with the period of perestroika, leading to a veil of mystery surrounding its origins. The theater's intricate design, featuring Escher-esque hallways and concealed rooms, remains a hidden marvel, known to only a select few, while still serving as a vibrant arts venue to this day.

In approximately 400 BC, Persian engineers developed sophisticated methods for preserving ice amid sweltering desert climates. During the winter, they would amass substantial quantities of ice from neighboring mountains and store it in structures known as Yakhchals, or ice pits. These ancient refrigeration units served the dual purpose of preserving ice for summer use and safeguarding food in the hot, arid environment of Iran. Additionally, the ice was utilized to produce refreshing delicacies for royalty during the scorching summer months and to craft faloodeh, a traditional Persian frozen dessert.

Above ground, these edifices featured remarkable large mud brick domes, with some towering as high as 60 feet. Below the surface, they contained expansive chambers, some as spacious as 5000m³, incorporating deep storage areas. The storage spaces frequently featured access to a Qanat, or wind catch. They were equipped with a system of wind catchers that effectively reduced temperatures inside the chambers to frigid levels during summer days.

Yakhchals are ancient constructions with extraordinarily robust mud brick walls, reaching up to two meters in thickness at their base. These walls are erected using a distinct mortar known as sārooj, which is composed of a precise blend of sand, clay, egg whites, lime, goat hair, and ash. This unique mortar exhibits high resistance to heat transfer and is believed to be entirely impermeable to water.

The design of the Yakhchal incorporates substantial insulation and a system of continuously circulating, cooling waters that enwrap its sides. This ingenious design ensures that the ice stored within it remains frozen throughout the scorching summer months. In these desert communities, the ice houses also include a trench at the base to collect any melted water from the ice, allowing it to refreeze during the cold desert nights. The harvested ice is then fragmented and transported to deep subterranean chambers. The trench continues to collect additional water, facilitating the repetition of the process and guaranteeing a consistent supply of ice despite the harsh desert conditions.

1.  Design of the structure: The Yakchal had a dome shape with thick walls made of bricks and clay. This construction helped maintain a cool temperature inside the vault. 
2. Water collection: During the winter, water was collected from rivers or melting snow in the mountains. This water was directed towards the Yakchal through canals.
3. Freezing process: The water was distributed in small ponds or pools within the vault. During the night and in the coldest hours of the day, the water would freeze due to the low temperatures of the desert at night.
4. Ice storage: Once frozen, the ice was cut into blocks and stored in the lowest part of the Yakchal, where the temperature was coldest. The dome shape and natural insulation of the walls helped keep the ice frozen for many months.
5. Later use: During the summer, the stored ice was used to cool drinks, preserve food, or even for medical purposes if necessary. In short, the Yakchal took advantage of the natural cold of desert nights to create and preserve ice, using simple but effective storage and thermal insulation techniques.

The underground city of Malakopi, also known as Derinkuju in Turkish, is a remarkable historical site nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey. This ancient city, dating back to the 8th-7th century BC, was accidentally discovered in the 1960s and stands as a testament to the remarkable ingenuity and resourcefulness of its ancient inhabitants. Carved meticulously into the soft volcanic rock, the city boasts an impressive 18 levels, reaching a depth of 85 meters below the earth's surface. Its intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and rooms covers a vast area of 445 km2, resembling a complex maze fit for an ant colony. What truly sets Malakopi apart is its remarkable capacity to accommodate a substantial population. Initially believed to be the largest underground city, it was thought to have the capability to house around 20,000 people.

However, recent archaeological discoveries in the Cappadocia region have revealed another underground city with the potential to accommodate up to 70,000 individuals.

Nevertheless, Derinkuju remains one of the most significant and awe-inspiring discoveries in the region. The city's layout exhibits a variety of rooms designed for accommodation, and storage, as well as small shrines and potentially educational spaces. The ingenious ventilation system was provided through well-designed air ducts, and water was sourced from a deep well, presenting strategic advantages for the city's inhabitants. Throughout its rich history, the underground city served various purposes, including acting as a refuge for civilians during times of war and conflict.

This captivating history and the impressive engineering of the underground city make it an irresistible draw for historians, archaeologists, and visitors, shedding light on the innovative ways ancient civilizations adapted to their environments and sought refuge in times of need.

Building adaptability

Throughout history, humans have always attempted to adapt buildings to changing climatic conditions, albeit through empirical means rather than standardized rules. For instance, during the winter, people commonly use carpets on floors and walls to retain heat within a room. Additionally, during the day, they would leave shutters open to allow sunlight to warm up the space, and at night, they would close them to reduce heat loss through openings. Climbing plants were also frequently grown on pergolas in traditional architecture to provide shade during the summer months, and deciduous trees were planted in strategic locations to protect building volumes from the sun. These are just a few examples of the many ways people have addressed climatic needs, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate.

One notable example of such adaptability is the three-story Pelionian mansions. These buildings feature an intermediate floor designed for the winter, with few and small openings to retain heat, and a top floor intended for the summer, with ample and large openings to facilitate better ventilation.

This approach highlights the creativity and innovative spirit of people throughout history in adapting to their environment and addressing their needs.

Pelionian architecture 

Pelioreite architecture, seen in Pelion's homes, mansions, and churches, is a traditional style still used in modern projects. The old mansions in Pelion showcase unique and indigenous characteristics, using stones and slabs from the area, often sourced from local mines. The villages of Pelion were designated as protected settlements in 1980. Mansions in Pelion exhibit various architectural styles, including a northern Greek type and neoclassical influences brought by expatriates from Egypt. The houses are known for their thick walls, providing natural insulation. Pelioreite architecture is divided into three main periods and sections, each reflecting distinct characteristics and influences.

1st section

The initial phase represents the early "Peliorian Architecture" period from the mid-18th century, featuring stone structures with small, symmetrically placed windows and a prominent entrance. Typically, these buildings consist of three floors, with the lower one built of stone and the upper one incorporating a combination of stone and wood. The top floor often includes wooden cantilevers supporting open or closed balconies known as "balconies," a defining feature of Pelionian architectural houses.

2nd section

The second section pertains to traditional construction techniques and the evolution of mansion layouts from 1750 to 1850. The construction of urban mansions aimed to address fortification needs, resulting in communal semi-outdoor areas and reception spaces with distinctive features. The ground floor, known as "katoi," is exclusively constructed with stone, while the top floor is adorned with colorful skylights above the windows. The Joannou mansion, built around the mid-19th century, reflects a shift towards a more symmetrical appearance under "academic" influences.

3rd section

The third architectural period corresponds to the early flourishing of expatriate Pelioriteans and the emergence of "Late Pelioreite Architecture" from 1860 to 1890. This phase marks a transition to a contemporary lifestyle, incorporating academic elements and showcasing innovation. Central entrances are directly linked to long, narrow halls, with harmoniously arranged rooms on either side, representing a timeless change in Pelion architecture.

During the early 1930s, phonographs were introduced in Greece and were first seen in the living rooms of urban residents. However, their presence was not widespread. The production of records was a costly and complicated process which involved finding musicians, composers, and librettists to license the rights for recording on wax. The plates with phonographic imprints were then sent to European countries to create a copper matrix, a nickel-plated one, and a final matrix called the "child" before the phonographic disc could finally be produced. The sample of the finished product was then sent to Greece for approval, which increased the production costs and time to market.

In 1931, the announcement by the American Columbia Company that they would set up a headquarters in Greece caused a stir in Greek society. The construction of the Columbia factory in Rizoupoli in 1930 changed the recording scene in Greece, as records were now produced entirely in Athens, reducing expenses and allowing prices to adjust to the Greek market. The cost of a disc dropped from 120 to 80 drachmas, and the factory had the capacity to produce 300,000 discs per month, which was a substantial output at the time.

The factory was built on an area of 14 acres and was one of the most modern in Europe. It cost the American record giant £60,000 and was equipped with the latest achievements in industrial technology. The know-how gained from building previous factories was applied to Rizoupoli as it was Columbia's 27th factory worldwide.

The factory in Rizoupoli not only produced records for Columbia but also for companies that worked with the company, such as Odeon, Pate, and Parlophone. The businessman brothers Lambropoulos were appointed as general representatives of the company, and five years after the construction of the factory, the first recording studio was opened. Two new studios were built in 1963 to better serve the needs of Greek record production.

For six consecutive decades, Rizoupoli was the heart of the domestic music scene, except during the years of the Occupation. In 1977, Columbia ranked 75th among Greece's export businesses with exports of $5,000,000. In 1978 the factory employed 350 people and held 123rd place among industrial enterprises.

However, the gradual decline began in the mid-80s with the departure of the Lambropoulos brothers. The factory was finally closed in 1991 after one last printing of "Let's Go North" by Nikos Nomikos. The record was given to the 117 workers along with their compensation.

Today, the remains of the historical factory can be found on the Rizoupoli plot. Until 2006, the derelict facilities remained abandoned and unused, subject to the ravages of time. Despite the protests and appeals of the residents, the plans to build a museum of Greek music were never realized, and looters took advantage of the unguarded area, stealing equipment and machinery. In May 2006, all of the factory's buildings, except for one that was listed as a historic building, were demolished.

Adaptation in Nature

We live in a universe where everything changes, everything moves, and everything changes. Some objects change in a few seconds and others over centuries. Although change is not always apparent to us, it happens to everything around us. The climate on our planet is also in constant change and alternation, both during the year with the 4 seasons and during the succession of day and night. These changes are located in the temperature, in the days of sunshine and rain, as well as in the intensity - direction of the winds.

Adaptation is defined as the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

The differences in the above characteristics cause changes in nature with the result that all organisms change to adapt to the current climatic conditions. A typical example is deciduous plants and animals that go into hibernation, thus changing their metabolism. The most characteristic and obvious example of change in the animal kingdom is that of the chameleon, which can change the color of its skin to adapt to the color of the surrounding area to go unnoticed.

Man, as an integral part of this system, shows changes, both based on the geographical location of his residence and the seasons. Due to the different climatic data in different regions, acquired changes occur in humans, such as skin and hair color, or various morphological characteristics (such as nose shape, height, etc.). Changes are also observed in the language of people living in countries with different climatic conditions. People in warmer climates, for example, use more vowels in their speech than people in colder climates.

In given geographical locations there are also changes in human behavior, due to the seasons. Activities in areas where climatic conditions allow are mostly transferred to outdoor areas. For this reason, the "outdoor space" in climates such as Greece, acquires special importance during the warm months.

Adaptation of the building

People have always tried to adapt the building to changes in climatic conditions, albeit empirically, without relying on some standard rules of a manual. In winter, for example, it was common to place carpets on the floor and walls to trap heat inside. Also, during the day they kept the shutters open to absorb heat from the sun, while at night they closed them to reduce heat loss through the openings. In the traditional architecture of our country is common the phenomenon of planting climbing plants on pergolas. These plants were deciduous to provide shade only during the summer months. For the same reason, deciduous trees were planted in suitable places so that the building volume could be protected from the sun. Of course, the above are not the only ways to address climate needs, but they are strongly characterized by change.

One way of addressing the climatic needs, without morphological differences, is the example of the Pelion three-story mansions. In these, the mezzanine floor is the "winter" floor with few and small openings, while the top floor is the "summer" floor with large and many openings for its best ventilation.

Over the years and with the development of technology, the empirical ways of the past have been categorized and systematized. Some were replaced, such as the thermal insulation role of carpets, by thermal insulation materials inside walls and floors, some were removed due to the need for thick walls and some remained as they were. The biggest difference between modern and older homes is the ability to mechanically support heating and cooling needs to maintain thermal comfort using non-renewable energy sources.

The reckless use of non-renewable energy sources leads to two huge problems. On the one hand, the increase of CO2 and greenhouse gases, with the effects they have on the climate, and the other hand, the risk of depletion of these sources. This is why the bioclimatic design of buildings is becoming more and more necessary because it is based on the exploitation of renewable energy sources.

The adaptability of the building to climate change by providing Thermal Comfort to its users is expressed in 2 ways. Elements that morphologically change the building, thus dynamically influencing the composition of the building, which is the object of this work, but also fixed elements that do not aesthetically change the building.

The researcher

The Hellenism of Asia Minor has played a significant role in shaping Greek culture throughout history. As early as the sixth century BC, while the Greek mainland was still attached to religious beliefs and mythological reasoning, Asia Minor had already developed scientific thought that relied on proof and logic. The philosophers of the era congregated in Asia Minor, where they laid the foundations of philosophy through their teachings. This new school of thought was later imported into Metropolitan Greece by Pherecydes of Syros, the great teacher of Pythagoras.

The ideals, principles, and practices of Western civilization returned to Greece through Asia Minor after centuries of enslavement and suffering. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Greek communities outside Greece, especially in Smyrna and Trapezounta at Pontus, had significant urban development compared to the Greek mainland. The Greek population of Asia Minor reached close to 2 million, and the approximately 1.2 million immigrants that fled to Greece after the failure of the Greek military expedition into Asia Minor boosted development in the long run.

The immigrants from Asia Minor brought their art, expertise, habits, and way of life along with their experiences and memories to Greece. However, their most significant contribution was the sense of moral order they brought, their religious dedication to faith, and their love for their homeland. They became living examples for indigenous Greeks who took these things for granted.

The ruling class of the Asia Minor Greeks, who had substantial experience in international trade, transportation, shipping, industry, and financial exchanges, facilitated connections between the indigenous financial elite and international banking institutions and contributed substantially to the economic development of the country. The 200,000 Greeks who immigrated to multicultural Smyrna from mainland Greece and the inland of Asia Minor overcame their relative inexperience and quickly seized control of transit trade, a key source of wealth for Smyrna, and even imposed the Greek language as the official language of trade. They relied on their determination, diligence, zeal, enthusiasm, and organizational skills to achieve this. Greeks of Smyrna working outside the commercial, banking, financial, and industrial sectors were particularly active in the railway, public works, and shipping. Greek engineer P. Vitalis, who also participated in the construction of the Thessaloniki waterfront, was responsible for these developments.

Architecture

In the field of architecture, the cosmopolitan air of Smyrna and the other Greek centers of Asia Minor was instrumental in the creation of several splendid architectural creations of the time and inspired the development of a particular architectural style with European influences which can be seen in the work of several important Greek architects both in Smyrna and metropolitan Greece. Architects like Ignatius Vafiadis, Demosthenes Apostolidis, Rokos and Polycarpos Vitalis, Ioannis Latris, Antonios Pezaras, Emmanuel Petrokokkinos, Demetrios Lignadis, Georgios Kalokairinos showcased their talents and skill in designing and building as they used new ideas and technologies in constructing banks, stock exchanges, clubs, hotels, mansions, holiday villas, factories, administrative buildings, and temples. (Tsakalos, 2011)