Dimitris Pikionis facts for kids

Dimitris Pikionis (1887–1968) was a famous Greek architect and painter from the 20th century. He had a big impact on how modern Greek buildings look. He helped start the Association of Greek Art Critics. Pikionis designed many buildings and helped plan cities in Athens and all over Greece. This included several schools and even a playground in Filothei, Athens.

Early Life and Learning

Dimitris Pikionis was born in Piraeus, a city in Greece. His family came from the island of Chios. He got his artistic talent from his father, who was also good at art.

In 1906, Pikionis started studying with Konstantinos Parthenis, a well-known Greek painter. At the same time, he was studying civil engineering at the National Technical University of Athens. He finished his engineering studies in 1908.

Studying Abroad

After that, Pikionis went to Paris and Munich to continue his studies. He learned about sculpture and drawing. In Paris, he also took architecture classes. During this time, he discovered the art of Paul Cézanne and became friends with Giorgio de Chirico. Other Greek painters like Georgios Bouzianis also influenced him.

Return to Greece and Architecture Work

Pikionis came back to Greece after the Balkan Wars. He began to focus on studying and working in architecture. He became very interested in modern Greek architecture.

In 1921, he started teaching at the National Technical University of Athens. He taught there until 1923. In 1925, he became a permanent professor in the decoration department.

Magazine and Early Projects

Between 1930 and 1935, Pikionis worked with his friend, the painter Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas. They published a magazine called '3ο Μάτι' (which means '3rd Eye'). Pikionis wrote many of his ideas in this magazine. Many other artists and thinkers also worked with them.

His first important building was the Moraitis house, built from 1921 to 1923. In 1932, after finishing the Elementary School in Pefkakia, he felt his work wasn't quite right. He then changed his ideas about how buildings should look. From then on, his designs tried to mix worldwide ideas with local Greek styles.

Later Works and Legacy

In the 1940s and 1950s, Pikionis mainly designed graves. But from 1951 to 1957, he worked on many big projects. One of his most famous works is the design of the area around the Acropolis of Athens and Philopappou hill. He also designed the tourist building of St. Demetrios Loubardiaris.

In 1958, after teaching for 35 years, he retired from the university. In 1966, he became a full member of the Academy of Athens.

Pikionis is often called a founder of "critical regionalism." This is an idea in architecture that combines modern styles with local traditions. In 1933, Pikionis and other Greek architects signed the Athens Charter. This was an important document for the modern architecture movement. However, he didn't fully follow all its rules. A key idea in his work was the contrast between smooth marble and natural earth.

Dimitris Pikionis passed away in Athens on August 28, 1968.

Famous Designs

Even though he didn't build many buildings, Pikionis is highly respected for his outdoor designs. His work around the Acropolis of Athens in the 1950s is very famous. He used rough marble pieces in different shapes that look natural but are carefully planned. He also chose local plants for his terraces and steps. This work has amazed many visitors.

He used similar ideas when he designed the children's playground in Filothei. This is a wealthy area in Athens.

Notable Projects

• Lycabettus School
• Moraitis House, Tzitzifies, 1921-1923
• Kotopouli Theatre, 1932
• Primary School of Pefkakia, 1932
• Experimental School of Thessaloniki, 1933
• Landscaping of the Acropolis of Athens surrounding area, 1954–57
• Filothei playground, 1961–64
• Hotel Xenia, Delphi
• City Hall of Volos, Volos
• Pourris House, Athens view