New Extension and Reconstruction of the West Wing of the Gennadius Library
The project consists of two parts that will upgrade the functionality of the Gennadius Library and optimize the management and display of its holdings: a) The renovation of the four levels of the West Wing of the Library (594 m2), which was originally constructed in 1970, will make the research collections of the Library more accessible to scholars in open stacks, and b) An underground extension to the west of the present building will provide a new exhibition space and extra space for book stacks, a total area of 629m2. The West Wing renovation of the Gennadius Library redefines the mission and vision of the American School by opening up the institution in Kolonaki to the general public. In this way it complements Cotsen Hall, the auditorium that has already transformed the School through an array of hosted events in the past ten years. THE WEST WING PROJECT Plans for the renovation of the West Wing (refurbishment of its book storage areas and modernization of the exhibition space) had been in place since 2008. An ESPA grant awarded to the American School of Classical Studies in 2013 gave the green light for the West Wing project, which started officially in July 2014. The new exhibition space in the West Wing will showcase the treasures of the Gennadius Library and attract traveling exhibitions from all over the world. This new space will be transformative for the School: by offering a separate entrance to the general public, school kids or other groups can get into the exhibition space without disrupting the academic activities of the Library. In addition, the West Wing assures the wellbeing of the Gennadius Archives and Special Collections by providing state-of-the-art exhibition and storage space, it supports the development of a variety of educational and outreach programs, it revolutionizes the way research is conducted at the Gennadius Library by installing open stacks where scholars can browse a large portion of the library’s research collection, and it enhances the cultural role of the Gennadius Library by promoting its treasures through in-house and virtual exhibitions. CONSTRUCTION The existing building of the West Wing will retain its shell, whereas all the interior levels will be reconstructed retaining their functional connection with the existing building. Following best practices and current regulations, the new building will offer automatic temperature controls for the best preservation of the collections and the comfort of the users. A new staircase and glass elevator will connect the West Wing with the Gennadius Library underground levels. The two newly excavated underground levels will provide ample library stacks and storage space. The new extension, adjacent to the West Wing, will be built underground in two levels. The lowest level (an area of 220m2) will house book stacks and carrels providing the readers extra space and allowing the reorganisation of the library's collections. All necessary electromechanical equipment will be buried at this level. The second level will house an exhibition hall of 243,50m2, providing separate public access to the library's collections. The new building, which is half-buried into the ground, preserves the existing garden following its contour and the surrounding big trees. Thus, the extension adapts aesthetically to the existing complex. The Stathatos Room (a 1930’s wood-panelled Period Room from Macedonia with icons and pottery from the 18th and 19th centuries, donated to the Library by Helen Stathatos) will be moved from its current location to the new exhibition hall. Refurbished with new lighting and a virtual guided tour thanks to an ESPA grant (Call 31), this Room will become a centerpiece of the permanent collection. Several paintings, engravings, historical maps, manuscripts, rare books and digital presentations will tell the history of the Gennadeion. Temporary exhibitions will explore themes that correspond with the interests of the Library to attract the public into the Gennadeion. A conference room accessible from the museum and the Library will offer the possibility of interactive educational seminars for visitors and scholars alike.