The redevelopment of the North Façade of the main building of the Ministry of National Defence at Alexander Papagos Camp, funded by a donation from Piraeus, was officially opened yesterday. The ceremony was attended by Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and Piraeus chief executive Christos Megalou.
The project was designed by distinguished sculptor and professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Varotsos. The design of the new bioclimatic north façade enhances the appearance of the main building while also reducing energy consumption.
With the unveiling of the North Façade, alongside Mr Varotsos’s sculpture “Ark of National Memory”, the landscaping and the bioclimatic façade at the Ministry of National Defence’s main entrance, the external architectural renovation of the main building has been completed.
Interior changes
The landscaping has also been complemented by the development of green spaces and new architectural lighting, designed through a collaboration between Mr Varotsos and Eleftheria Deko. Meanwhile, renovation work is under way inside the main building to improve working conditions and transform the Ministry of National Defence into one of the most modern, functional and attractive ministries.
In his address, Nikos Dendias highlighted the radical transformation of the Armed Forces under the “Agenda 2030”. Referring to the renovation of the Ministry of National Defence’s main building, he said: “This too is part of the reform of the Armed Forces, and it was made possible by generous private sponsorship. This has often been the case in our history: in the days of Athenian democracy, for example, major projects—and the great Athenian fleet itself—relied on the institution of sponsorship. In other words, those with means giving for the common good. Today, as we unveil the building’s North Façade, I would like to express my gratitude to Piraeus Bank, its shareholders and staff, and especially its chief executive, Mr Christos Megalou, for the €10 million donation, which enabled us to create this façade based on Kostas Varotsos’s designs”.
Christos Megalou said: “The completion of this landmark project reflects Piraeus’s enduring commitment to supporting initiatives with a meaningful social impact and lasting value. The renovation of the Ministry of National Defence’s main building highlights the stature of an institution that serves the country’s security and stability, while also reflecting the dynamism of a modern Greece. For Piraeus, supporting projects that strengthen institutions and create value for society is a longstanding priority and responsibility”.
The project’s creator, Professor Konstantinos Varotsos, also addressed the ceremony. Those in attendance included Nikitas Kaklamanis, President of the Hellenic Parliament; Prokopis Pavlopoulos, former President of the Hellenic Republic; Bishop Barnabas of Christoupolis, representing Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece; ministers, deputy ministers, MPs, the leadership of the Armed Forces, military officers, and representatives of the security services, judicial authorities, diplomatic missions and other organisations.