Mara Papavasileiou and Alexandros Zomas, co-directors of Micromega Architecture in Athens, blend architecture, interior, and landscape design with brand identity to create immersive, meaningful spaces. Since 2016, their holistic approach uncovers each client’s unique DNA, telling memorable stories across scales. Their award-winning work spans hospitality, residential, and public projects, earning recognition like the Europe 40Under40 Award for emerging design talent in Europe. Micromega Architecture is one of the winners for the International Architecture Αward for 2025, for Pinewood International School at Anatolia College.
GDN: Can you please share some key qualities of the project?
Alexandros Zomas: The project is the Pinewood International School at the Anatolia College, in collaboration with Alexandros Τombazis’s architectural office. We’re very proud of this undertaking, which took us four years to implement. What we are mostly fond of, on this project, is its educational cause. The school hosts a large number of young students, from 10 years old up to 16. What is particularly noteworthy is the manner in which the project is positioned within the area, in the Anatolia College, its integration with the surrounding environment, and the strong connection between the building elements and the open-air spaces. At the same time, it creates some quite interesting in-between spaces. This building has unique spots where you can lounge, where you can learn, and where you can have a look outside of the school. What is quite crucial is that there is an outstanding axis where the historical garden of the Anatolia College is connected with the building, and it leads to a stadium, the stadium of the whole college. This is an aspect that we really appreciate and consider remarkable. It aligns perfectly with the whole master plan of the Anatolia College.
GDN: Can you please share how receiving the award impacted your professional approach?
Mara Papavasileiou: Thank you for your question. Every award is always something that makes us gratified and proud of our work. This award holds particular significance given its international stature and the fact that it recognizes practitioners who are leaders in their respective fields. To be honest, when we design a building, the award comes from the users. For instance, in the case of a housing project, how the end-users perceive and engage with the development is a crucial consideration. For this particular project here, for the foundation of a school, genuine insights are derived from the individuals who actively utilize the space. When we attended the first inauguration, we met students, professors, and the director of the school, and each one shared their experience. In projects with broader audiences, such as educational institutions, the most valuable recognition comes from the user experience and the feedback they provide.
GDN: How do you envision the future of architecture in relation to urban development and technology?
Alexandros Zomas: Quite a peculiar question, but architecture has always had an idea about the future. Architecture helps us envision ourselves, our cities and our way of living in them. Nowadays, the critical issue is how we can build in these very huge cities where urbanism and urban design are everywhere and how we can, simultaneously, create a unique and innovative design while remaining respectful of the existing context and aligned with the future direction of a place.
Mara Papavasileiou: If we wish to discuss in greater detail about Greece, our home country, I would say that the future of architecture depends on what is already built. In Greece, we have many buildings that are waiting to be refurbished, renewed, and updated to current sustainability standards. I believe that in our current situation of 2025, it is important to thoroughly assess the existing conditions and identify opportunities for enhancement and then contemplate the new build developments.
