A conversation with Costas Kondylis, the Greek who helped shape New
York’s skyline and urban aesthetics
A conversation with Costas Kondylis, the Greek who helped shape New
York’s skyline and urban aesthetics
One of the most successful architects in the US, the Congo-born,
Athens-raised visionary combines creativity with a tough business sense
Costas Kondylis in front of the historic Plaza Hotel in New York City,
which is being renovated by Kondylis Design. ‘My design studio is a
creation of a dream I had, an area where we have time and freedom to
dream architecturally and not be under the pressure of clients, time and
deadlines,’ he explained.
By Sylvia Papapostolou
With over 50 skyscrapers to his name, Costas Kondylis has been a key
player in shaping New York City’s skyline and modern urban aesthetics.
Kathimerini’s color supplement K spoke to him about his work.
You have some of the most important and famous buildings in the world to
your credit. Is there anything else you would like to prove?
Every week I feel as though I’m sitting exams. What I have achieved is
not enough. The moment you pause is when you decline. What I am engaged
in now is how to proceed to something bigger, more beautiful and more
modern. My design studio is a creation of a dream I had, an area where
we have time and freedom to dream architecturally and not be under the
pressure of clients, time and deadlines. There were just four of us when
we started out but now we are 25 people conducting studies. That is the
creative aspect of our work.
How do you plan a project?
When we undertake a project we dream for a few weeks. I have the luxury
to think, to imagine the building in relation to its environment, to
decide whether I want something that complements or contrasts with the
surroundings. We live in a highly capitalistic society where the
financial aspect plays a major role. The key to success is I think to
use design characteristics that maximize the value of a building. I
consider design to be an added value. I also take into account the way
of life, requirements and image the person who buys one of my buildings
wants to project. Thirdly, I estimate what sort of investment the
building will be. I want to be certain that the buyer, if they wish to
sell in two of three years’ time, will not lose money and might even gain.
cont'd....
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