19 the patients from each other with two rows of wooden louvers which are high enough to ensure privacy but not ceiling high, to avoid feelings of isolation and enclosure. This resulted in cosy cocoons with warm colours and soft curves.” At ASPA KST, every project is assigned to one or two lead architects who are responsible for the project, team, and coordination with the collaborators from beginning to end. The practice boasts four talented directors who are each in charge of a specific area. Spyros Tsagkaratos is the company’s Managing Director who oversees the entire office. Tina Tsagkaratou is the Design Director whose role is ensuring the quality of projects from the early to late design stages. Katerina Christakaki is the Technical Director who guarantees that all the code compliance and other technical aspects are met. Lastly, Areti Karaboukalou is the Urban Planning Director who oversees the urban scale projects. All projects, regardless of scale, are of equal importance from large buildings and masterplans to custom made furniture and objects. ASPA KST employs the latest digital technologies such as 3D printing, CNC-ing, and robotic fabrication to create unique, cutting-edge results for clients. To achieve holistic results, the practice collaborates with other disciplines and has cultivated a network of companies with a similar ethos. At this year’s Architecture Awards, ASPA KST has been awarded Most Innovative Office Building Construction Project (South Europe): Kaizen Campus. The Kaizen Campus in Greece is the first office premises of its kind to reflect the country’s current cultural shift through architecture. The project architects, Spyros Tsagkaratos and Zozo Koutsanellou employed a unique research method that centred around collaboration, focus, inclusivity, learning, rejuvenation, and socialisation. To translate these pillars into functional designs, the architects took the time to understand the brand culture, discuss team members’ needs, and divide the project into mind map sections. As a result, the campus has been specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of each company department. Kaizen Campus was designed in accordance with the international LEED certification system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and achieved a GOLD level for sustainable development. The distinctive building is the first in Greece to achieve WELL certification, which focuses in on being a space for partnership, inclusivity, and socialisation for employees by integrating leading research into its design, construction, and operation. Kaizen Campus features exterior ramps that connect the different floors, the big public atrium/courtyard in the centre that connects all the departments and can host social events and the double height spaces with interior balconies that allow for visual connectivity and encourage socialization. Kaizen Campus’ revolutionary design truly demonstrates how architecture has the power to shape people’s experiences and impact the health and wellbeing of individuals and businesses. Tina Tsagkaratou says, “We believe that both the built and the natural environment play an important role in the user experience. That is why we try to design spaces that are aesthetically pleasing with natural light, ventilation, and good microclimates. We are committed to designing sustainable buildings with minimum impact to the environment. We have successfully completed multiple buildings with LEED certification, and more are in the works.” This year, ASPA KST is set to complete two large scale buildings, one hospital and one office building, and begin construction on four more projects. Over the latter half of 2024, the practice will focus on object design and will be launching a series of 3D printed objects such as vases, candelabras, and tables. Moving forward, the practice will expand its online presence to engage with more clients and looks forward to completing more international projects. For over thirty years, ASPA KST has strived to deliver high-quality, environmentally conscious architecture and urbanism to enhance users’ overall quality of life. The talented team has extensive experience across all scales and project phases and works in collaboration with a network of companies to achieve holistic results for clients. By continuing to prioritise the user experience, the company can deliver projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also human-centred and sustainable. For its innovative design approach, we have bestowed on ASPA KST two awards at this year’s Architecture Awards. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for the practice as it ushers in a future of sustainable innovation in Greece and beyond.
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