DIPLOMA DESIGN THESIS

My thesis’ core comprises a research and process Centre of Confidential Data. As a consequence of model’s particular character, has been thought indispensable to persuade significant requirements, as such:

a) Its integration to the surrounding area within the sense of camouflage

b) Its level of impenetrability of its accessibility

c) Its interior areas’ compulsory prerequisites of a range of services and functions that is about to host. With regard to the setting of model’s installation, an islet of big Sophrano or Zaforas has been selected. The latter constitutes an islet, located at the Karpathian Sea and belongs to Dodecanese (Municipality of Astypalaia).

The model was constructed at islet’s West side, since at this point as a consequence of the mountains’ altitudinal inequality, a rigorous shadow phenomenon is formed that obstructs its detection by ordinary satellite shots. Simultaneously, the particular spot is energy profitable, due to strong winds that function as electricity supply’ source, enabling the construction to be energy independent. Being the main energy source for the export of the morphological approach of the model, the curvature of the mountain’s surface was simulated with flat surfaces. The main reason for the success of the platform’s design differentiation, was the model’s need to geometric refer in its own sake, to express its character as a military object inspired by the geometry of the Stealth aircrafts. 

Access to the area has been accomplished by the construction not only of a tiny Marina but also of an hydraulic retractable heliport platform. Hence, complicated places (choroi) having both the form and the logic of a labyrinth, were formed. Such a similar thought applies to its vertical motion, in the same way that the elevators’ switch required (per floor). Its major target has been navigation difficulty level’s increase, designed for protecting its units. This strategy’ scope that functioned as a system of security management has also been appeared in antiquity.  It can be recognized in the complexity of urban networks during island’s migration, resembling an artful move for being protected by pirates’ attacks. Additionally, it is testified through historical works of Thucydides, being confirmed by the Theban attack against Plataean.

The model is divided on six parts; each one has its own individual character, rely on the services that provides. Inner areas are coated by Radar absorbent materials on their whole. The latter constituted stipulations of layered materials and consisted of ferrite particles, being conscientious for the absorption of the electromagnetic radiation. Model’s inner complexion has being constructed by an unusual refractory metal which, as a consequence of its oxidized nature, visually appears under environment’s ocher, providing an astonishing effect to the whole synthesis. Model’s core consists of a metal truss, embedded into the ground by columns that are constructed by reinforced concrete. 

To sum up, the model constitutes a lightweight construction and a functionally autonomous and technologically advanced edifice, which is fully integrated into the natural environment, since all its parts were designed in view of safety perspective.

Supervisors: Tsinikas Nicolaos, Vavili Fani