Aris Konstantinidis Within and Without Greece

Join us for a presentation on the Greek architect Aris Konstantinidis (1913–1993) – one of the most significant figures in modern Greek architecture – by Dr Stelios Giamarelos. Drawing on Dr Giamarelos’ recently published monograph, this talk will explore the often-overlooked aspects of Konstantinidis’s life, work and teaching beyond the borders of Greece. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

Aris Konstantinidis (1913–1993) is one of the few Greek architects to have gained international recognition without building a single project outside his native country. Consequently, his work has often been viewed either through the inward-looking lens of 'Greekness' or as a distinctive fusion of modernism and local cultural identity. However, this focus has tended to obscure the outward-facing aspects of his publishing and teaching activities beyond Greece.

This talk will contrast the introspective self-image presented in Konstantinidis’s autobiography and later writings in Greece with the more outward-looking perspectives found in his earlier contributions to European architectural journals. These two personas – the domestic recluse and the internationally engaged intellectual – frequently stood in tension. While he may have appeared isolated within Greece, he found like-minded peers when publishing, lecturing, or exhibiting his work abroad.

Meanwhile, the lack of comprehensive publications in English – in contrast to his prolific output in Greek – has long posed a linguistic barrier, limiting broader international engagement with his alternative approach to critical regionalism.

This talk is a collaboration with DoCoMoMo UK and part of its monthly lecture series.