National Library and National Opera of ATHENS

The agency of the architect Renzo Piano, based in Geneva and Paris, has imagined a double space in a unique building.

The Opera area is made up of two halls, one with 450 seats reserved for traditional operas and ballets and the other with 1400 seats for more experimental performances.

The library is intended to be a place of learning and cultural preservation, but also a public resource, a space where culture is accessible to all, ready to be shared and appreciated.

The library’s reading room, with its fully glazed walls, is located at the top of the building, just above the canopy roof. A huge transparent box, it will benefit from a 360° view of Athens and the sea.

The awning provides shade, necessary for cooling the building, and will be supplemented by 10,000 m² of photovoltaic cells. Generating 1.5 megawatts of electricity, this field of cells should ensure the complex’s energy autonomy.

“We built the building underneath the park. We can go up to enjoy the sea view and the building remains well protected from solar radiation, which saves energy. The removable roof, a flying element, creates shade and also stores energy.” (Renzo Piano, Euronews)

More than 10,000 m² of various technical floors are made of TeboPin and TeboFloor plywood. All certified PEFC™ , the Thebault Group’s pine-based plywoods come from sustainable forest management, a sinequanone condition for the delivery of this exceptional project.