CHRO.PEI Athens, Greece

Project overview

Bobotis+Bobotis Architects’ proposal delivers an Innovation Polis in Athens at City Block 63, Neo Faliro (Municipality of Piraeus). Specifically, the project redevelops the former CHRO.PEI industrial site at 62 Pireos Avenue. The 17,868.69 m² plot includes listed industrial buildings, so the concept balances transformation with protection.

Ownership and governance

EOF owns the property. At the same time, EOF has granted its use to the Ministry of Development & Investments. As a result, the Ministry can establish a state-managed innovation district with clear public oversight.

Vision and ecosystem

The Innovation Polis creates a dense innovation network. In particular, it co-locates:

• Startups

• Corporate R&D

• Academia

• Incubators and accelerators

Moreover, the district stays open to the city through events, food and beverage, and cultural programs. In this way, everyday activity supports long-term innovation.

Heritage strategy

The proposal strengthens identity by keeping the most emblematic elements. First, it preserves the water tower and the chimney. Next, it reconstructs key street façades along Katsoulakou and Mourati.

Meanwhile, the masterplan maintains the site’s inward-looking campus logic. Therefore, bridges reconnect buildings without breaking the original spatial character. At the same time, new vertical additions use contemporary materials, so visitors can read them clearly as new interventions.

Spatial concept and public realm

The campus splits into two complementary halves. On the one hand, the eastern side hosts a flexible, high-bay Innovation Hall. For example, it can support exhibitions, prototyping, conferences, or office/lab layouts. Consequently, the hall adapts as the innovation ecosystem evolves.

On the other hand, the western side forms a generous public courtyard. In addition, Mediterranean planting improves shade and comfort. Likewise, a microclimatic water feature enhances the outdoor environment. Finally, active ground-floor retail and F&B frame the courtyard, so the campus remains lively throughout the day.

Massing and climate response

The building volumes respond to both climate and context. For instance, taller volumes along Pireos Avenue buffer noise and cold winds. Conversely, lower massing to the south improves sunlight access and respects neighborhood scale. Furthermore, green roofs strengthen bioclimatic performance and reduce heat gain.

Sustainability and access

The proposal links energy and comfort strategies to simple architectural moves. To begin with, a roof-level energy canopy with photovoltaics covers a substantial share of operational demand. In parallel, north-facing roof aperturesbring in diffuse daylight. Equally important, universal accessibility connects all buildings and open spaces across the campus.

Program mix

The Innovation Polis combines work, learning, culture, and services. Accordingly, the program includes:

• Offices and co-working

• Education spaces

• Conference centre

• Cultural venue

• Library

• Gym

• Clinics

• Administration

• Hospitality

• Food and beverage

Overall, active uses concentrate at ground level to energize paths and courtyards. As a result, the public realm stays animated, while the core spaces remain flexible for future innovation needs.