Benaki Museum Pavilion: A Masterpiece of Architectural Lighting

Eleftheria Deko and Associates Illuminate Greek Modern Architecture

The Pavilion, inaugurated in June 2019 at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel in Athens Riviera, serves as both a museum shop and an exhibition space. The building, an example of Greek modern architecture from the 1950s, is brought to life through a lighting concept that is both simple and minimalist. The design, created by Eleftheria Deko and Associates, uses light and shadow to create a dialogue between the visible and invisible, the interior and exterior.

The entrance iron door, a signature feature of the Pavilion, holds exhibit cases and is lit in a way that makes the lighting an integral part of the structure. The interior lighting is discreet, achieved with adjustable spots in recessed tracks between the ceiling wooden beams. This approach ensures that the lighting does not interfere with the general aesthetics of the space, but instead enhances it, providing adaptability and flexibility.

The Pavilion's shelves, made of shimmering aluminum foam, are emphasized with dramatic cove lighting in cool white. Tiny recessed track spotlights in the shelves highlight the artifacts, completing the desired atmosphere. The lighting fixtures, prototypes from Viabizzuno, Linea Light, and Lights On, were chosen for their minimal size and adaptability.

The design process was a study in innovation and problem-solving. The team faced the challenge of providing lighting on the door without visible cables or infrastructure. To overcome this, they designed small spherical LED fixtures with magnets inside the bodies. A micro power-line was carved into the metal structure of the door, electrifying the custom-made fixtures. The result is a lighting design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Benaki Museum Pavilion is a testament to the power of architectural lighting to transform a space. The design, which was awarded Silver in A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2020, is a shining example of the innovation and expertise of Eleftheria Deko and Associates. The Pavilion stands as a beacon of Greek modern architecture, its lighting design illuminating the path for future projects.