The Gallaria complex is located by the seaside, in the old train gallery, beneath the byzantine castle of Platamon, an area that counts more than a thousand years of history. The architectural intervention by online design architecture & lighting involves the following three areas, all representative example of the Modern Industrial Architecture, which are considered monuments by the government.
The inspiration for the architectural proposal came from the train itself, its constant movement and its construction materials; steel and wood. The idea was to allow the monument with the stone walls and the old steel rails to communicate its own history through permanent exhibitions which take place in the tunnel. In the main space of the gallery four custom-made, metal-framed structures like old commercial wagons of the past century are situated on the existing old train rails. These wagons operate as bars, storage space and toilets. In order to protect the old rails, a new elevated wooden floor has been created. These rails are revealed through gaps on the wooden floor, discreetly lit.
Emphasis has also been given on the industrial character of the monument by selecting dark grey steel casing in all the arched openings, steel custom-made furniture and light fixtures. On the stone wall of the tunnel, the history of the gallery unfolds via old photos and plans of the space as well as the surrounding historic area. The path leading to the old train station, at the edge of the complex, has remained intact and is still accessible to all hikers and horse riders. The tower has been preserved and has been framed externally with plants.
The texture of the stone has been highlighted with the use of recessed luminaires that have been placed all around its external walls. Internally, two exhibitions platforms in different levels have been formed upon a self-turning metal frame that does not add any load to the structure of the tower. The exterior space has been landscaped in order to preserve the natural beauty as well as cater to the functional needs of the cafe. The coating materials have been selected in terms of the style of the place, its color and texture. Some of the gestures include the use of sarzanet walls, stamped concrete river-pebble floors, soft steps, indigenous plants and subtle lighting.
