Stefanos Koufopoulos | TU Delft (original) (raw)
Uploads
Papers by Stefanos Koufopoulos
Developments in the Built Environment
The Byzantine remains of the three-aisled Basilica with a narthex on Jebel Musa, South Sinai, wer... more The Byzantine remains of the three-aisled Basilica with a narthex on Jebel Musa, South Sinai, were known to the scholarly world since the 19th century. The architectural survey of the site (1995) and the excavations of the Hellenic Archaeological Mission at South Sinai (1998–9, 2008) identified additional original parts of the church and unearthed its foundations. This project aimed at first in a more detailed study of the documentation material produced onsite, that includes the detailed survey of the in situ preserved parts of the building and of numerous carved granite architectural members scattered in the surroundings. The outcome of this endeavor is a quite precise graphic reconstruction of the original form of the Basilica and a better understanding of its structure and its constructional characteristics. Moreover, this detailed documentation was further elaborated from the structural point of view with the aim (i) to assume the weaknesses and inherent vulnerabilities of the original structure of the basilica and (ii) to examine various possible failure mechanisms that could provoke the destruction of the monument, taking into account permanent loads and seismic actions. For this purpose, based on the graphic reconstruction, a detailed 3D cad model of the structure was first developed. Subsequently, a preliminary numerical linear elastic analysis was carried out, focusing on the structural behavior under seismic actions. The qualitative evaluation of the analyses results in comparison with the actual remains of the basilica led to a first approximation of the possible failure mechanisms.
The project proposes an architectural sheltering system for transitional use over monuments and e... more The project proposes an architectural sheltering system for transitional use over monuments and excavations sites in the Mediterranean context. The thesis is concerned about the diaspora of archaeological sites and remains in the Mediterranean where many layers of history are partially unearthed and highlighted. Based on a context research, the assignment focuses on Greece's sites for a new excavation -restoration workflow of specialists under better conditions and time periods. A prototype development of a 5x5m grid system that evolved as a deployable folding kit responds to predefined criteria of reversibility, modularity, adaptability and movability. As a case study, the ongoing excavation of Ancient Eleon was selected to present a valid working scenario. Based on the Greek climate, the open-air shelter is based on a repetitive grid of high-point tent modules that form different sheltering schemes and types. This produces a varying architectural result which addresses all sit...
![Research paper thumbnail of Walking routes in the landscape of Naxos: An Architectural Proposal for the 'Alyki' Wetland. [Διαδρομές στο Ναξιώτικο Τοπίο: Πρόταση Ανάδειξης 'Αλυκής']](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/92030297/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Τhis project presents a proposal at two levels: the general and the analytical. This proposal, fo... more Τhis project presents a proposal at two levels: the general and the analytical. This proposal, for rebranding the cultural and natural landscape of Naxos island, was carried out by shifting from the regional and the urban scale to the landscaping and architectural scale.
The study opens with the assessment of the exploitation of the anthropogenic and natural environment of Naxos, to promote quality ecotourism (trekking, birdwatching, etc.) as a counterpart strategy to the conventional ‘mass’ tourism on the island. It is proposed to consolidate and extend the existing network of trails that connect various points of interest (archaeological, architectural, cultural, etc.), to offer a complete experience with the corresponding landscape variations. Focusing on the northwestern part of the island where the most significant tourist density is observed during the summer period, a new route is designed. Following the cultural poles, it builds on the old trails of the environment.
Then, a detailed architectural proposal in the area of the ‘Alyki’ wetland is presented. ‘Alyki’ (meaning ‘Salt Lake’) is the most important wetland in the Cyclades. It is a Birds Directive Site (with more than 200 species), having a deterioration of its size due to the airport. For the visitors, a new route (C-shaped) on the perimeter of the wetland is designed, indicating viewpoints where three birdwatching structures are installed. The route starts at the new “visitor (environmental) center” to the south and leads to a new “landmark observatory” to the north. The visitor center, the landmark observatory, and the birdwatching structures were studied and designed in detailed drawings, under the principle of minimum intervention in the landscape. Thus, the material used is timber, with structures founded on piles, leading to a fully reversible approach.
The dissertation in question examines three projects of the renowned architect David Chipperfield... more The dissertation in question examines three projects of the renowned architect David Chipperfield. Facing one another, the three projects are located at the Museum Island (Museumsinsel) in the historic center of Berlin. These are a new Gallery building, the restoration of the Neues Museum, and the new Entrance building to the Museum Island. The architectural analysis of the projects is processed regarding to the idea of context, which differs in each of the three cases mentioned above. Therefore, issues such as location, historical context, architectural precedent, etc are determined from a contextual perspective. These issues largely impact Chipperfield’s architectural decisions and expression. Moreover, the notion of context is analyzed itself by looking for its latin root as well as by identifying the physical context (environment) and the intellectual context (interweaving of events). An attempt is also being made to identify the range and different aspects of context. Ιn regard to the three projects, Chipperfield’s contextual approach to design is clarified and, in the end, three points of reference are pointed out. These are form, architectural vocabulary (composition of elements), materiality, and the relation between old and new.
Developments in the Built Environment
The Byzantine remains of the three-aisled Basilica with a narthex on Jebel Musa, South Sinai, wer... more The Byzantine remains of the three-aisled Basilica with a narthex on Jebel Musa, South Sinai, were known to the scholarly world since the 19th century. The architectural survey of the site (1995) and the excavations of the Hellenic Archaeological Mission at South Sinai (1998–9, 2008) identified additional original parts of the church and unearthed its foundations. This project aimed at first in a more detailed study of the documentation material produced onsite, that includes the detailed survey of the in situ preserved parts of the building and of numerous carved granite architectural members scattered in the surroundings. The outcome of this endeavor is a quite precise graphic reconstruction of the original form of the Basilica and a better understanding of its structure and its constructional characteristics. Moreover, this detailed documentation was further elaborated from the structural point of view with the aim (i) to assume the weaknesses and inherent vulnerabilities of the original structure of the basilica and (ii) to examine various possible failure mechanisms that could provoke the destruction of the monument, taking into account permanent loads and seismic actions. For this purpose, based on the graphic reconstruction, a detailed 3D cad model of the structure was first developed. Subsequently, a preliminary numerical linear elastic analysis was carried out, focusing on the structural behavior under seismic actions. The qualitative evaluation of the analyses results in comparison with the actual remains of the basilica led to a first approximation of the possible failure mechanisms.
The project proposes an architectural sheltering system for transitional use over monuments and e... more The project proposes an architectural sheltering system for transitional use over monuments and excavations sites in the Mediterranean context. The thesis is concerned about the diaspora of archaeological sites and remains in the Mediterranean where many layers of history are partially unearthed and highlighted. Based on a context research, the assignment focuses on Greece's sites for a new excavation -restoration workflow of specialists under better conditions and time periods. A prototype development of a 5x5m grid system that evolved as a deployable folding kit responds to predefined criteria of reversibility, modularity, adaptability and movability. As a case study, the ongoing excavation of Ancient Eleon was selected to present a valid working scenario. Based on the Greek climate, the open-air shelter is based on a repetitive grid of high-point tent modules that form different sheltering schemes and types. This produces a varying architectural result which addresses all sit...
Τhis project presents a proposal at two levels: the general and the analytical. This proposal, fo... more Τhis project presents a proposal at two levels: the general and the analytical. This proposal, for rebranding the cultural and natural landscape of Naxos island, was carried out by shifting from the regional and the urban scale to the landscaping and architectural scale.
The study opens with the assessment of the exploitation of the anthropogenic and natural environment of Naxos, to promote quality ecotourism (trekking, birdwatching, etc.) as a counterpart strategy to the conventional ‘mass’ tourism on the island. It is proposed to consolidate and extend the existing network of trails that connect various points of interest (archaeological, architectural, cultural, etc.), to offer a complete experience with the corresponding landscape variations. Focusing on the northwestern part of the island where the most significant tourist density is observed during the summer period, a new route is designed. Following the cultural poles, it builds on the old trails of the environment.
Then, a detailed architectural proposal in the area of the ‘Alyki’ wetland is presented. ‘Alyki’ (meaning ‘Salt Lake’) is the most important wetland in the Cyclades. It is a Birds Directive Site (with more than 200 species), having a deterioration of its size due to the airport. For the visitors, a new route (C-shaped) on the perimeter of the wetland is designed, indicating viewpoints where three birdwatching structures are installed. The route starts at the new “visitor (environmental) center” to the south and leads to a new “landmark observatory” to the north. The visitor center, the landmark observatory, and the birdwatching structures were studied and designed in detailed drawings, under the principle of minimum intervention in the landscape. Thus, the material used is timber, with structures founded on piles, leading to a fully reversible approach.
The dissertation in question examines three projects of the renowned architect David Chipperfield... more The dissertation in question examines three projects of the renowned architect David Chipperfield. Facing one another, the three projects are located at the Museum Island (Museumsinsel) in the historic center of Berlin. These are a new Gallery building, the restoration of the Neues Museum, and the new Entrance building to the Museum Island. The architectural analysis of the projects is processed regarding to the idea of context, which differs in each of the three cases mentioned above. Therefore, issues such as location, historical context, architectural precedent, etc are determined from a contextual perspective. These issues largely impact Chipperfield’s architectural decisions and expression. Moreover, the notion of context is analyzed itself by looking for its latin root as well as by identifying the physical context (environment) and the intellectual context (interweaving of events). An attempt is also being made to identify the range and different aspects of context. Ιn regard to the three projects, Chipperfield’s contextual approach to design is clarified and, in the end, three points of reference are pointed out. These are form, architectural vocabulary (composition of elements), materiality, and the relation between old and new.