Philosophy & Position

Dimitri Papadaniel has a marked interest in the contemporary evolution of historical cities and the urbanism.

As a firm believer in the quality of our environment, he has worked extensively on urban and spatial planning projects and has contributed to a number of master plans between Lausanne, Geneva, Neuchâtel and Lugano.

His involvement in quality environment, the development of the rules of building physics and energy savings has led him to group research for building physics in construction, the future LESO and to establish the campus second phase master plan for the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne and the new Architecture Department building. His works attract attention and are the subject of articles in specialized publications.

D. Papadaniel is one of the pioneers of bioclimatic architecture and the use of renewable energy in construction.

He has great experience in designing and conducting complex projects submitted to strict security regulations.

His practice and involvement in the development of architecture tie him professionally to Alberto Sartoris and Luigi Snozzi with whom he collaborates.

Light, as a fundamental component of space and source of energy, is a constant feature in his projects. He develops and elaborates the relationship between architecture and the environment using a rationalist architectural vocabulary.

He favours natural and recycled material as well as implementing his projects in a way that is faithful to the themes under study. His works are realized using renewable energy techniques.

As a staunch believer in the cultural exception of architecture, he defends a close owner-architect relationship, and strives to reinforce the dialogue between practitioners and academics by organizing conferences, seminars and symposia.


Personal Landmarks

  • 1950
    Birth in Athens.
  • 1967
    Enrolls in the Architecture department at the EPF-L (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne).
  • 1973
    Takes part in the "Politica e metodologia del restauro, interventi nei centri storici" seminar (conducted by P.L. Cervelati and R Scannavini) that developed the concept of the restoration of the historical centre of Bologna.

    During his studies he worked alongside architects J.P. Merz (Group'61) and George Candilis and Shadrach Woods in Paris.
  • 1975
    Obtains his Masters Degree of Science MSc.
  • 1974 to 1977
    Collaborates with the ACAU, the Geneva architects' cooperative.
  • Since 1976
    Lectures at the EPF-L, (Swiss Institute of Technology, Lausanne), Architecture Department, for the Construction and Technology Chair.
  • From 1977
    He works on projects that call on passive solar energy, most notably for the Centre de Protection Civile of Lausanne in Montheron and solar houses, appartement buildings and offices buildings.

    Gives many conferences, participates in architectural congresses and takes a very active part in the International Architecture Communication Territory Forum (FACT 79).
  • 1978
    Sets up his own architect's studio, "acte", which will subsequently become the "dp" architect's studio.

    Plans out and builds sophisticate university microbiology and biotechnology research laboratories.
  • 1997 to 2000
    President of the SIA (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects).

    Helps promote the European Architecture White Paper and defends a code of ethics in the practice of architecture and engineering; takes part in numerous national and international commissions and becomes president of the Alberto Sartoris association.
  • 2000
    Guest speaker at the international symposium of Architecture, Construction and Building Industry 2000. Presents the LESO-EPFL project to the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), Cambridge, Massachusetts.

    Involved in numerous architectural competitions either as contender or member of the jury.

Prizes

  • 1989
    1st Prize Romand de l'Architecture Solaire for the CIPEF cooperative residential complex in Préverenges, CH.
  • 2000
    Awarded by LIGNUM for Solar power laboratories at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, CH.
  • 2006
    Awarded the Distinction Romande d'Architecture for the Pregny-Chambésy school in Geneva, CH.
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