For the co-founders of Block722 architects+—Greek architect Sotiris and Swedish interior designer Katerina—their divergent cultural backgrounds present not just challenges, but opportunities. The vibrant Mediterranean sunlight and Nordic tranquility merge seamlessly in their work, crafting a unique and balanced spatial experience. In October this year, we visited Block722 architects+ studio and were honored to invite both founders and the design director to share a special session. Through concrete project cases, they systematically deconstructed their "holistic" methodology, meticulously demonstrating how Block722 implements their design philosophy and aspirations.
During the sharing session, the design director elaborated on the three core pillars of the team's design approach:
Topos (Space & Environment) — Focusing on the project site itself, thoroughly examining its history and natural textures
Ethos (Spirit & Humanity) — Addressing the project's culture and users, deeply exploring regional characteristics and user needs
Logos (Narrative & Logic) — Connecting spatial experiences through narrative logic to establish emotional connections
They excel at transitioning between macro and micro scales, handling both architectural volumes and landscape planning while meticulously refining details like furniture and objects. Through the use of natural materials and local craftsmanship, they awaken users' sensory resonance. In their representative project, Samos Casa Cook Hotel, the team drew inspiration from the ancient Greek "Agora" (public square) to create a community-focused public space centered around a water feature, successfully redefining the resort experience despite numerous constraints. Meanwhile, in a private residence project in Crete, the juxtaposition of local materials with modern techniques, along with careful consideration of sensory details like wind sounds, grass movements, and light during morning dining, confirms their design philosophy: true luxury stems from the emotions and memories evoked by a space.
Driven by deep cultural integration, holistic thinking, and rigorous narrative methodology, Block722's work transcends stylistic appearances, becoming timeless and vibrant places rooted in regional context, serving specific lifestyles, and connecting past, present, and future.
