By Panos Dragonas

During the turbulent interwar period, a new architectural style emerged, clashing with older traditions. The strict rules of the modern ethos had not yet erased the decorative elements of previous styles. Architects and designers drew inspiration from various sources — nature, geometric patterns, and the practical demands of mass production.

Modern buildings became products of the Industrial Age, much like ships, cars, and household appliances. A city building could now resemble a locomotive more than an ancient Greek temple. This shift gave rise to an early modern style — a variation of Art Deco architecture and design known as Streamline Moderne.

Characterized by smooth, symmetrical shapes, horizontal lines, and sharp curves, Streamline Moderne drew inspiration from the aerodynamic railway engines of the era. Numerous examples of this remarkable interwar Athenian architecture can be found in Kolonaki, Exarchia, and Kypseli.

One standout example is the Palaiologos apartment building at the corner of Fokilidou Street and Dexamenis Square, designed by architect Ioannis Koukiadis in 1935. Its curved corner façade, semi-circular balconies, and warm ochre color make it a distinctive landmark in the area. The building reflects the late Art Deco design spirit, which allowed for a mix of diverse elements and forms.

Following the Streamline Moderne style, the apartment block evokes the image of a large machine or ship run aground at the side of the road. Its alternating open and closed balconies with light wooden shutters are typical features of Athenian Modernism. The metal doors, adorned with geometric patterns, contrast with the building’s stone base and ornate pilasters at the main entrance, which echo classical architecture.

The Palaiologos building embodies the contradictions of the interwar period — where classical and decorative elements coexist with a machine-inspired aesthetic. Its dynamic form speaks to a vision of the future that was just beginning to take shape.