Astral Weeks Flat and Exhibition Space by Oblique: A Fusion of Art and Living

Transforming an Industrial Space into a Dynamic Living and Exhibition Hub

Located in the heart of Athens, Astral Weeks Flat and Exhibition Space is a visionary renovation by Oblique, redefining urban living by merging residential functionality with artistic versatility. The project revitalizes a former industrial space within a postwar office building, tackling architectural challenges to create a multifunctional, flexible, and contemporary dwelling.

Adapting a Postwar Structure for Modern Living

The transformation of this 139m² apartment was driven by the building’s inherent constraints, including limited domestic infrastructure and rigid heating and cooling systems. The architects approached these challenges through a strategic spatial organization, establishing a clear distinction between two primary zones:

1. A Perimetrical Domestic Zone – A raised, multifunctional platform housing key infrastructure (plumbing, sewage, and heating) while defining intimate spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms. Sliding panels enhance spatial adaptability, offering varying degrees of privacy.
2. A Central Void – An open, unobstructed space designed for flexible use, taking advantage of the floor-to-ceiling glass façade to host temporary art exhibitions.

A New Approach to Spatial Composition

A defining feature of the design is the concentric spatial arrangement, where the enclosed void serves as an internal courtyard, fostering visual and spatial interactions. This interplay between framed and framing spaces introduces a dynamic architectural narrative, blurring the boundaries between private and communal areas.

Merging Domesticity with Exhibition Flexibility

By integrating sliding partitions, neutral surfaces, and a continuous promenade of interlinked rooms, the design allows users to seamlessly transition between domestic life and artistic expression. The neutral backdrop of the exhibition space complements contemporary artworks, while the surrounding domestic areas maintain a sense of intimacy and warmth.

This innovative approach creates a new typology for urban living, where art and architecture coexist fluidly, transforming a rigid postwar structure into a highly adaptable and immersive environment.

All Photographs are works of Riccardo De Vecchi