Landscape architects Grant Associates and lead architects Bennetts Associates have been appointed to reimagine the campus of Anatolia College in Thessaloniki.
Anatolia College is a renowned educational institution in Greece established in 1886. It is a private, non-profit organization that offers education at all levels. The college has identified the need for a future vision that would enhance the student experience, better reflect its preeminent academic reputation both nationally and internationally, and allow for significant expansion of the student population at its tertiary division, ACT – The American College of Thessaloniki.
“We are delighted to be part of the winning team led by Bennetts Associates. 2024 is the college’s centennial year: a legacy landscape that is truly 100 years in the making. The rich and diverse gardens and landscape of Anatolia, crafted from a barren mountainside, are a living memorial to the landscape architect Elise Hoesly White. It is a privilege to have this opportunity to help to shape the next landscape chapter and celebrate the legacy landscape whilst also responding to modern global concerns of climate change and biodiversity loss. Based on the themes of resilient nature, regenerative design, and research landscapes the ambition is to significantly increase nature, sports opportunities, flexible space, and external educational opportunities all within the framework of the beautiful and immersive gardens of Anatolia.’’
Peter Chmiel, Director at Grant Associates
Set in a beautiful and historic location in the hills above Thessaloniki, the campus covers 22 hectares. In addition to reimagining the campus identity and refining the quality of place/architecture, other key objectives include future-proofing educational space for students and staff, cherishing the local heritage, further embedding sustainability, celebrating nature, and improving key functional aspects of the estate.
The design concepts are based on the theme of a ‘forest campus,’ unifying the site through a sensory and experiential journey. They also include major new entrances, reworked ‘heartspace’ quads, a doubling of nature, a new rooftop events space with panoramic sea and mountain views, and a 600-seat state-of-the-art auditorium.
Grant Associates and Bennetts Associates will be supported by Buro Happold: Athens (sustainability/highways), Alexi Marmot Associates (educational briefing), and Betaplan (Greek partner architects).
Completion and approval of the framework master plan is targeted for Summer 2024.