Babis Ioannou and Tasos Sotiropoulos start their cooperation in 1977 by undertaking complex building projects in Saudi Arabia, as well as the construction of flats and houses in Greece. In 1982 Alexander Van Gilder joins the team and they establish ISV Architects and partners. In 2003 the company's head office moved into a modern building of 1000 sq.m, on Thessaloniki Road, in Moschato. Today, ISV employs 55 people including architects, engineers, designers and industrial designers.
In 2006 George Badogiannakis joins ISV and a new company, ISV Development, is created. ISV Development is active in the acquisition of land, urban development, construction and sales of residential and business premises. The basic architectural philosophy of ISV is the best living conditions for the habitant, whether a residential, a commercial or a retail space. The architectural space is therefore structured around these activities, to offer the user, not only a utilitarian value, but also a sense of pleasure and an enhancement of the quality of life. Elements contributing to this are the appropriate use of light, a simulation force that attracts all living beings, the geometry of spaces, a key factor to any proper architectural composition and the corresponding position of the furniture as an extension of human activities. The importance of the courtyard, an integral part of the Greek house, the fusion of the exterior with the interior through large glass surfaces, offering plenty of light, make an area friendly and functional.
The anthropocentric approach, the innovative design and pioneering construction techniques, the use of fundamental principles of the modern movement, and the respects of the Greek region, outline the main axis architectural philosophy of ISV. The work of ISV is characterized by constant experimentation with materials, new technologies, innovative forms and the creation of innovative solutions tailored to the needs and desires of the user, as well as to his/her aesthetic pursuits...
INTERVIEW
What is design for your life? What does design mean for you?
Babis Ioannou: Design is my main occupation. I am in it every day and every hour.
Tasos Sotiropoulos: Design is the medium-instrument for the configuration and creation of a more beautiful and more functional environment visually and practically.
Please describe the changes in design in the last 20 years?
Babis Ioannou: I don’t see any changes in design in the last 20 years, even if technology through computer has given an easiness in design and construction extreme forms.
Tasos Sotiropoulos: Modern Movement guided everything towards this direction the last 20 years.
Which designers/ architects have influenced your work the most?
Babis Ioannou: The main architects of the modern movement. If I have to mention some : Mies Van De Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Rietveld.
Tasos Sotiropoulos: Le Corbusier, Mies Van de Rohe, Tadao Ando, John Pawson, David Chipperfield, Antonio Citterio, Toyo Ito.
What’s your perception about architecture and design magazines nowadays?
Babis Ioannou: They promote a lot the image through an impressive form which surprises us, meaning that we have not seen something like this before. This way we are losing the main sense of design and architecture which in my opinion creates the circumstances for a good life.
Tasos Sotiropoulos: There are many Italian, English, German – and in the last few years – Spanish and Portuguese magazines that contribute to the communication of contemporary Architecture.
When beginning a project, do you usually sketch your ideas on paper or do you use your P.C. from start to finish?
Babis Ioannou: I start with the pencil, based on the connection which human beings since centuries have between the edges of their fingers and their mind.
Tasos Sotiropoulos: I do not use P.C.
Do you believe that architecture style must find ways in which to integrate itself into its environment, or do you believe that this is not always essential?
Babis Ioannou: Making something different than its environment sometimes works, sometimes it is simply provoking. It depends on time and on the talent of the creator.
Tasos Sotiropoulos: It is very useful but not always necessary.
In your opinion, could a modern building become a tourist attraction?
Babis Ioannou: Certainly yes, it is something which is largely used nowadays.
Tasos Sotiropoulos: A public building, yes.
How do you perceive the future of the design world?
Babis Ioannou: Closer to the human needs.
Tasos Sotiropoulos: It has to assimilate and use modern technology and new materials so that it can produce new forms and constructions that save energy without allowing to these forms and constructions lose their closeness and practicality.
Which advice would you give to the young designers? Is there any young designer that has caught your attention?
Babis Ioannou: I have no advice. Who am I to give advice. Many young designers are impressing me with their approach in design and especially in the way of life.
