Moderna Architektonike Sten Hellada

An impressive dynamism characterizes Greek architecture in the 20th century. During the first two decades of the century, Neo-Classicism was still reigning as the official style as ideally befitting the Modern Greek State. This was to change soon though as the Modern Movement began to make its impact felt early in the '30s. Its subsequent astounding diffusion, particularly in the major urban centers of the country, has left a legacy of modernity of an almost unequalled scale in Europe. In the aftermath of World War II Greek architecture once more successfully adopted the post-war version of modern architecture, based on the universal use of post-and-beam concrete frame. All subsequent architectural trends in more recent years were followed closely by local architects, always eager to experiment with internationally established currents. Therefore westernization, disguised as modernity or dismissal of the past, has always played a major role in the 'progress' of Greek architecture. This book presents a fresh, unconventional way of perceiving and appreciating the development of contemporary Greek architecture, by tracing the multiple transformations of such crucial notions as 'modern' and 'modernity' throughout its recent history.