In a particularly symbolic and emotional opening ceremony, the renovated ‘New Chemistry Laboratory Building’ was officially handed over to the academic community of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. This historic building lies at the heart of Athens, surrounded on three sides by Mavromichali, Navarinou, and Charilaou Trikoupi streets. With the completion of the building’s restoration and upgrade, a much improved and up-to-date environment is now available to meet the needs of students and staff at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. In attendance and addressing the occasion was Konstantinos Vlasis, Deputy Minister of Education and Professor at the University of Athens.
During the ceremony, the Rector of the University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, said, among other things, the following: ‘Today’s official opening marks not only the completion of a major infrastructure project but also a strategic investment in the future of education, as the building, in addition to housing the Library of the Department of Economics, also accommodates the School of Education. The “New Chemistry Laboratory Building”, a landmark of great historical and symbolic significance, thanks to the support of the University Authorities, Deans, Chairs, and the Technical Services—especially after 2023—has been transformed into a modern, accessible, and safe environment, fully adapted to the needs of current students and faculty. We are particularly proud to pass on to the next generation this upgraded area, one that is worthy of the mission of our University’.
The ceremony was addressed by the Dean of the School of Education, Professor Vassilis Tsafos, the former Dean, Professor Thomas Babalis, the Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences, Professor Nikolaos Eriotis, the Chair of the Department of Pedagogy and Primary Education, Professor Constantine Skordoulis, the Chair of the Department of Early Childhood Education, Professor Alexandra Androussou, and the Chair of the Department of Economics, Professor Stelios Kotsios. Also in attendance were the Alternate President of the Administration Council, Professor Nikolaos Thomaidis, the members of the Administration Council, Professors Spyros Vlachopoulos and Dimitris Kenourgios, and the Vice-Rectors, Professors Efstathios Efstathopoulos, Aristeidis Samitas, and Christos Karagiannis. Additionally, many members of the teaching and administrative staff from the Schools now using the newly renovated building were present.
The building houses the Department of Pedagogy and Primary Education, the Department of Early Childhood Education, as well as the Library of the Department of Economics and the Department of Business Administration.
The interventions carried out included structural damage repair, replacement of all window and door frames with energy-efficient ones, painting of the façades and interior of the building, and upgrading the electromechanical systems and sanitary facilities. The project aimed to improve accessibility and safety across the property by installing a 6-stop lift for people with disabilities, fully renovating the wheelchair-accessible toilets, and implementing fire protection measures. It is important to note that the ‘New Chemistry Laboratory Building’ now boasts active fire protection systems, as well as temperature and moisture control on the roofs and in areas with previously recorded humidity issues.
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