Proposal for the open Architectural Design Competition of University of Aegean: Study for the Restoration and Extension of the listed building of Karradeio’s School on Chios Island. Our proposal for the new Karradeio Complex aims to create a contemporary educational environment that integrates seamlessly into its urban surroundings while highlighting the historic listed building. The core idea is the transformation of the old rear courtyard into a new university square around which all functions are organized. The new volumes are arranged along the perimeter of this square, with a key design gesture being the elevation of the southern volume on pilotis, opening the public realm towards the city and enhancing the visibility of the historic structure.

The architectural composition draws inspiration from the tripartite morphology of Chios’ 19th-century mansions, reinterpreting it into a contemporary “base-body-crown” structure. The earthy, solid base houses the auditorium and is defined by colored hydraulic mortar (“kourasani”) and brick “klostra”, which serve as light and ventilation filters and form a fundamental element of the building’s materiality and identity. The bright, open core—wrapped by a bioclimatic screen—accommodates the dining hall and faculty offices, while the lightweight metal crown operates as an energy-active pergola, contributing to shading and microclimatic improvement.

The listed building is fully restored with new academic functions and connected seamlessly to the new structure, forming a unified and vibrant architectural ensemble.