The new bioclimatic façade of the Ministry of National Defense

Highly symbolic ceremony: The new bioclimatic façade of the Ministry of National Defense was inaugurated in the presence of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, despite his recent COVID-19 illness.

Kostas Varotsos’ work: The internationally renowned sculptor designed a modern, energy-efficient façade that “builds upon history” and harmonizes with the monument honoring the 121,000 fallen for freedom.

Mitsotakis on modernization: The Prime Minister announced that the Armed Forces modernization program will exceed €28 billion over the next 12 years, with references to Rafale, F-16 Viper, F-35 aircraft, and Belharra frigates.

Dendias – Unknown Soldier Monument: The Defense Minister announced a competition to create a new monument, describing the new Ministry façade as “an expression of the 2030 reform agenda.”

Varotsos: He described the project as “a luminous building that hides nothing,” inspired by the folds of the fustanella and ancient Greek columns.

Mitsotakis: The most ambitious modernization program in the history of the Armed Forces is underway

We still need to complete both the exterior and interior of the building so that it is fully aligned with what the exterior transformation symbolizes. Defending our homeland is an absolute and non-negotiable priority. The most ambitious modernization program in the history of the Armed Forces is currently underway. Over the next 12 years, committed resources will exceed €28 billion.

We have already acquired upgraded Rafale and F16 Viper fighter jets, and soon F-35 aircraft. This gives the Air Force a strategic deterrent superiority. The Navy is being modernized with the Belharra frigates. All of this is happening while we are also advancing numerous unmanned systems. The Armed Forces are being strengthened and modernized like never before.

What Mitsotakis emphasizes is a dual understanding of defense: it is not limited to military strength but also extends to the cultural and historical heritage of the country. In other words, defending the homeland includes preserving its identity, values, and the memory of ancestors who sacrificed themselves for freedom.

Kostas Varotsos’ sculpture honoring the 121,000 fallen serves exactly as a visual and emotional symbol of this memory. It is a way to remember that the history and sacrifices of the past constitute a form of “power” in the sense of cultural and national cohesion.

If you want, I can also provide a brief analysis of the symbolism of this particular sculpture and how it fits into the narrative of the modernization of the Armed Forces.

At the podium, the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias

Dendias: “The new appearance represents a change in the philosophy of the Armed Forces
The evolution of an institutional building signifies change and progress. The new facade of the building reflects the new image of the armed forces. It marks the major reform of the Agenda 2030, through which we are implementing changes in structures. The new image is not merely an aesthetic intervention, but a symbol of adaptation to new conditions—a change in the philosophy of the Greek Armed Forces. We can now think beyond the ugly concrete box that the building had been for decades.”

“Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias announced the launch of a competition for the design of the Unknown Soldier Monument, emphasizing its role as a symbol of national unity and shared historical memory. He stressed that the monument is not merely a work of funerary art but represents uplift and elevation. Its materials and form—the straight metal and vertical lines—evoke a sense of solidity and Doric simplicity, pointing toward the future, while also recalling the traditional fustanella and ancient Greek columns, thus connecting historical tradition with the present day.”

At the podium, the president of Metlen, Evangelos Mytilineos

“The new command center was created by Greek hands. The new bioclimatic façade faces the 121,000 names of the fallen of the Nation. From here, it radiates across the entire territory—by land, sea, and air. I am proud because this command center was built by Greek hands.”

At the podium: Architect Kostas Varotsos

“When the Minister first called me, I was anxious about what I would encounter — it was truly an experience for me. To my great surprise, a miracle happened. Everyone here at the General Staff embraced this effort. We all aimed to make a cultural proposal for Athens and, more broadly, for Greece.”

“They gave me the names of the 121,000 people who fell so that we could be here and do what we do. I didn’t want to place them in a grave; I wanted them to hover. I invite you, as you leave, to pass by the monument and see them. Only the military can show how important peace is, because the military knows what war truly means.”

The project covers the southern façade, which spans 340 meters, with 730 vertical rows of white aluminum louvers, each 30.5 meters high. These are designed to improve the building’s thermal performance and provide a unified architectural identity.

The new façade is part of a broader architectural ensemble that includes the “Ark of National Memory” monument by sculptor Kostas Varotsos, which bears the engraved names of 121,692 fallen heroes from Greece’s national struggles.

“This building stands on Ancient Greek history with its folds. It is an open building, a bright building, and it does not hide anything. I want to conclude with a big ‘thank you’ to all the people who worked on these two projects. I want to thank the minister who took the risk of inviting me to carry out these projects.”

Manolis Mitsias performs “Pos na sopaso” (“How Can I Keep Silent”) — a song by Nikos Xylouris and Stavros Xarhakos, 1972.

A new era has begun for the Ministry of National Defense, as the new bioclimatic façade of its central building on Mesogeion Avenue is being presented today.

The transformation of this historic building, originally constructed in the 1960s, marks a significant step forward in the fields of architecture and environmental sustainability.

The unveiling ceremony takes place on Wednesday afternoon, in the presence of President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias.

The project bears the signature of internationally acclaimed sculptor and professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Kostas Varotsos, and architectural engineer Chrysanthi Asproulopoulou.
The two artists worked closely together to completely redesign the building’s façade, giving it a new identity that combines artistic expression, functionality, and energy efficiency.

The renovated building merges artistic creativity with environmental innovation, transforming what was once a strict and austere structure into a bright, modern, and dynamic construction.

A new era has begun for the Ministry of National Defence, as the new bioclimatic facade of its central building on Mesogeion Avenue is unveiled today.

The transformation of this historic building, originally constructed in the 1960s, marks a major advance in the field of architecture and environmental sustainability.

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Wednesday afternoon, in the presence of President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.

Christian President Nicolas Dendrenko, President of the Republic of Cyprus, and President of the Republic of Greece, Mr. Nikos Dimas.

More details about the renovation and future plans for the building are expected to be revealed at the event. The project is signed by the internationally acclaimed sculptor and professor of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Kostas Varotsos, and the architect and engineer Chrysanthi Asproulopoulou. The two artists worked closely together to radically redesign the building’s façade, giving it a new identity that combines artistic expression with functionality and energy efficiency.

The remodeling work began months ago, focusing on initial interventions mainly in ancillary buildings, to culminate in a radical overhaul of the whole. The renovated building combines artistic expression with environmental innovation, transforming the once austere and cold structure into a bright and contemporary structure.

Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to view stunning images and videos highlighting the innovative approach to the renovation. Bioclimatic retrofitting promotes sustainability and is a model for future public projects.

Protest earlier outside the Ministry

Earlier, Federations and Associations of active and retired officers held a protest gathering at Armed Forces Square, across from the Ministry of National Defense, in reaction to the Ministry’s multi-bill.