Post-war Modernism in Greece: The “XENIA” Construction Program for an Architecture of Tourism During the 50s–60s

Abstract

The “XENIA” programme was the first coordinated Greek government effort during the 1950s to establish tourist hotel complexes throughout the Greek territory. Their architectural value and their contribution to the development of tourism were fundamental in the revitalization effort of the country after World War II and the Civil War. Through the “XENIA” programme, Greek modern architecture has found it’s typical and original expression worldwide recognized, as these exceptional structures were part of the country’s cultural heritage. A number of notable architects undertook the design headed by Aris Constantinides, considered the most important contemporary Greek Architect in the Modern Movement. For the first time, specific architectural elements were applied in the design, from landscape integration to interior details. In this context the environmental principles are being recognized as a determinant factor for the design. In the late ‘80s, the state proved incapable of following the touristic demand and the XENIA took the path of abandonment with the last state-run Xenia closed in 1997. Chronic deterioration, devaluation and abandonment have caused significant damage to many of these buildings. Today they lie either time-destroyed and unoccupied or, have undergone interventions, which have distorted their original conception. A proper re-use of these unique structures can come through recovering their authentic message, with an emphasis on their high architectural value, their elegant use of the local environmental resources and conditions, representing an extraordinary pre-condition for a sustainable approach that can enhance the appropriate and energy efficient upgrading of the Xenia hotels throughout the Greek territory.