A SITE OF MEMORY AND EXPERIENCE
THE BOOK OF HEROES
In the village of Kallithea – Region of Etoloakarnania, above Lake Trichonida, Greece, a new site of memory and experience is being created.
It is donated by Mr. Nikolaos Balagiannis, of the Greek Diaspora, to his birthplace. The donor’s goal is for this site to become the new landmark of the area, attract international interest and ultimately offer local growth based on culture.
THE EXPERIENCE
Inspired by the figure of the Greek Armatolos, the Book of Heroes refers to the archetypical character of the Hero, a symbol shaped through myths and tales, local and global, as well as through history.
All the elements of the project — the concept, the hero, the architecture, the landscape, the relationship with the local community and the wider area, the audiovisual content — are designed to compose an overall experience, a journey into the world of myth and history, and at the same time a personal journey of self-discovery.
THE DESIGN APPROACH
The Book of Heroes redefines what a monument means today, connecting architectural design with contemporary art. It is conceived as an art installation of architectural scale, designed by an interdisciplinary team — architect and engineers of various specialties, visual artist, historians, social scientists, art theorists and curators experienced in the field of contemporary art and art for social change.
At the same time, the Book of Heroes offers Kallithea and the wider region a new square, an open space for gathering, events and public art works, that support the vision for the regeneration of the area in various ways, and in close collaboration with the local community.
THE CONTEXT
The Book of Heroes is designed with great respect and sensitivity towards its social environment, the surrounding natural landscape, the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the place and the community.
It is fully accessible to people with mobility issues and psychosocial problems emphasising equal access to all in the experience.
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