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Nikos Dikas, scholar architect, participated in the AIR Artist-In-Residence Krems program in Krems, Austria. This program is part of the Kunstmeile Krems organization and offers temporary housing in five studio apartments for artists in the field of plastic arts, architecture, music and literature.
Nikos Dikas' project entitled “Architectural experimentations in the public: The redesign of Sudtirolerplatz in Krems” questions the role of contemporary architecture as a factor of change in the public space. It investigates the ability that small urban spots have to provide certain ideas and feelings to the artist, and to become the motive for a fruitful dialogue between the architect and the urban system.
In the case of Sudtirolerplatz in Krems, the main target is to transform the space in front of the historic center’s old gate, Steiner Tor, into something meaningful. Today, it is mainly a left space concurred by cars passing and parking.
At its best, it is the spot for the first and the last photo taken by visitors in front of the symbol of the city, the old gate. The focus of the architectural intervention was to transform this open space to an active part of Krems urban life and public image and to provide an interesting dialogue between the old and the new.
Within this two-month project different alternative proposals have developed and the results have been exhibited to Krems public during Lower Austria Open Studios Days.
Nikos Dikas graduated from the Department of Architecture in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and with the support of an Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation scholarship completed in 2006 a postgraduate degree in the “Conservation and renovation of architectural monuments” in the same university.
