In the heart of Athens, on the historic Pheidiou Street, a seven-storey building with a façade that reflects Athenian 1970s architecture was converted into a high-standard office building. Vios is the first coworking space in Greece designed to meet the WELL Building and Health Safety Standard. Furthermore, the building achieved Grade A Energy Efficiency, despite being developed within an existing shell. The main aim of the proposal was to create a natural source of breath and a point of relaxation in the city centre. For that reason, a biophilic design was applied by planting all outdoor areas (rear garden, balconies, roof), creating islands of greenery on each floor of the interior, and promoting wellness at work. In addition, to maintain high levels of COVID-19 protection, new mechanical installations were specified to fully recycle indoor air, while non-porous materials were used to prevent bacterial growth.
The concrete grid façade, part of the broader architectural identity of Pheidiou Street (German Archaeological Institute, Prokesch von Osten House, etc.), was preserved and upgraded with minimal linear elements that respect the existing shell. In the open space between the building and the partition wall of Hotel Titania, an urban pocket garden was created, preserving the aged character of the surrounding walls and the textured stone boundary. A rooftop garden with pergola and quiet seating area was also introduced. Within Vios, spaces include a multi-purpose area, conference rooms, communal kitchen, gym with showers and changing rooms, yoga room, meditation and relaxation room, and a fully equipped massage room.