From neoclassicism to tenements and why even mansions were demolished: Ziller's innovations
The young German Ernst Ziller, first came to Athens as chief engineer and helped in completing the works at the National Library, the Zappeion and the National Archeological Museum.
But Ziller settled permanently in the capital and quickly became the favorite architect of the bourgeoisie. In 1872 he was appointed professor of architecture at the School of Art, later renamed the Polytechnic, and among his important clients was the royal family.
The Palace of the Successor, i.e. the present Presidential Palace, is one of the most impressive buildings in Athens. Considered his most emblematic work is Ilios Melathron, the mansion of Eric Schliemann, which now houses the Numismatic Museum of Athens. He also designed the theaters of Patras, Zakynthos and the Municipal Theater of Athens, the villa of the merchant Vassilis Melas at Aiolou Street, which today houses the National Bank, the National Theater at Agiou Konstantinou Street, the villas of Andreas Syggrou in Athens and Anavryta and the Stathatou villa at Vasilissis Sofias Street.
It is estimated that Ziller has built more than 500 buildings throughout Greece, while he was one of the first to conceive the idea of a holiday home, creating seven luxury villas in Piraeus. The place was originally named after him and became known as "Ziller District" or "Villa District", while he also created emblematic buildings in Kifissia.
The housing problem arose after the disaster of Asia Minor and the law on property passed by the Venizelos government in 1929. Thus, the apartment building was "born" and with it the method, in which the landowner gave his land to builders and received apartments in return.
The construction of apartment buildings - especially after the war - marked the end of Athenian neoclassicism and, in turn, many of the city's architectural ornaments were demolished. The first apartment buildings followed the current of modernism that prevailed in the interwar period, and life in the apartments was very different from the neoclassical ones.
Source: https://www.mixanitouxronou.gr/