The Ilisian reimagines the former Hilton Athens through a careful reading of its modernist heritage. Guided by archival research, the design preserves the original sculptural grid, concave façade, and Moralis relief while introducing a renewed feel anchored in the building’s spatial logic.

A central water axis symbolically restores the Ilisos River and leads to the relocated mural Athens by Night, establishing the focal point upon entry. Contemporary interventions — including a sculptural reception desk by Studio Niko Koronis, a gilt triptych by Panos Tsagaris, subtle lighting by Studio Michael Anastassiades, and refined material detailing — sit seamlessly within the modernist framework.

Handcrafted elements, restored furniture, 1960s classics, and curated artworks create a layered interior narrative. A dedicated memorabilia niche presents archival material and original archetypal micro‑sculptures within a museum‑like installation.

The result is a lobby where modernist clarity, craft, and cultural memory converge — carrying a landmark of Athenian modernism into its next chapter.

- in collaboration with The Mare Studio

& codesign AvroKO