An architectural project for the Port of Piraeus, titled “Hanging City”, involved a joint effort between 170 architects, engineers and designers from 11 European countries to temporarily transform Piraeus port pier E2. The design experiment by Hellastock, part of the international Bellastock network, is hosted at the port until September 15.

The theme is hanging constructions so the teams experimented with stretched and suspended constructions of cloth and rope to create a number of interesting models. An entire operational area of 170 residences was created in mid-air, complete with showers and other facilities.

The material used to create the city above the pier is recyclable and cheap. Funding required was minimal and came from private sponsors. The design teams achieved their goal of creating a purpose-built complex with participants each constructing their own shelters from scratch.

The Greek event is an initiative by students of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)’s School of Architecture and is organized under the auspices of NTUA and the Hellenic Institute of Architecture. The event is based on similar initiatives taken by students of the Belleville School of Architecture in Paris in 2006.

Visitors can attend daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until September 15.

Some photos from the event: 

Before –

After –