Located in the heart of Athens’ former industrial district, the existing building served as music venue and concert hall. The brief called for its transformation into a contemporary city hotel. Inspired by the monumental void of the existing structure, we envisioned a domed atrium at the heart of the new hotel, establishing its central focal point: The Arena.

Preserving the existing structure, the design introduces a circular ring of hotel rooms overlooking the central space, along with two additional floors accommodating rooms, suites and F&B venues. Measuring 38 × 18 metres, roughly the size of a basketball court, the central atrium is crowned by a glazed dome that floods the interior with natural light. Conceived as a social arena, it becomes a vibrant, multipurpose space where unexpected experiences unfold.

Open to the public, The Arena is designed to host food festivals, fashion shows, pop-up stores, art installations, DJ sets and seasonal celebrations, transforming the hotel into a dynamic urban destination. The ground floor accommodates the lobby, reception and public amenities, alongside an outdoor pool and fitness centre. On the upper floors, a signature restaurant and bar offer panoramic views of the Acropolis and the city, complemented by a 25-metre-long rooftop pool club that completes the hotel’s F&B offering.

Drawing on the industrial heritage of the neighbourhood, the design preserves the building’s robust character. The base is clad in glazed terracotta tiles, while the existing façades retain their solid appearance through a concrete-like render. In contrast, the new addition introduces expansive glazing that expresses the double-height suites on the upper floors. Olive-green glazed ceramic louvres and parapets provide solar shading and privacy, establishing a distinct architectural identity within the Athenian skyline.