Versatile architect, urban planner, intellectual and thinker, longtime NTUA professor Konstantinos Dekavallas has died at the age of 98. He was one of the protagonists of the post-war architectural spring, and his work, multifaceted and in dialogue with nature and the environment, art and heritage, left a strong imprint not only in terms of material but also in idea. He designed large projects, apartment buildings, bank branches, mansions. It generated a lot of work and thoughts.

Konstantinos Dekavallas, NTUA graduate in 1948, is associated with many interesting issues and changes in Greek society in the post-war decades. He was still young when, after completing further studies in the US (Colombia) and the UK, he undertook with other young architects the reconstruction of Santorini after the devastating 1956 earthquake. Then (1956-1960) he served in the Ministry of Public Works and in the case of Santorini he demonstrated an ability not only in architectural and urban design, but also in team and collegial spirit and the production of collective work for the benefit of society.

It was an essential parameter of his personality. He has been active both in the architectural field and in the general public, speaking publicly on many important issues, from the future of cities to the quality of higher education.

He was an active citizen. He collected his thoughts, wrote books, walked around the city. He was fortunate to see a large tribute exhibition organized for his work by the Benaki Museum (2008), serving architecture in both the public and private spheres. Important was the work that he left during his collaboration with the National Bank (1960s), while he was simultaneously developing his private architectural office. Also important was his contribution to the formation of the Stars at Glyfada, a project of great momentum and high symbolism for post-war Greece. One of his projects is the Exarchia Theater (his daughter is actress Annita Dekavalla).

As architectural historian and researcher Eleni Fessa-Emmanoui notes about the architecture of the 1950s and 1960s, “It was then that Nikos Valsamakis and Takis Zenetos, two pioneers of modernism of great caliber, appeared, and then modern architecture and high design were created at the level busy people.” In the stores of the National Bank, in recreation centers and in the residences of gifted artists such as Konstantinos Dekavallas and Anastasia E. Tsaku” (“K”, 17.5.1998).

His great contribution is summed up in high-quality architectural work and creativity of thought, which give things their true dimensions, without limits, with moral integrity and the wisdom of a long journey. It will forever remain one of the great flamboyant 1960s.