CEPOLIA with “C” is a unique space created to host the facilities of Phoenix Distribution Company. It is located in Sepolia, a neighborhood north of the center of Athens that is known for the increased industrial activity during the 1960s and later, specialized in clothing.
During the last thirty years this building has been the storage of the Court of Audit. Even though the information about the building’s history stops there, for sake of the design approach new routes had to be found. A new backstory is written, highlighting the old industry activity of the area and re-connecting it with the new use of the building.
All the details matter, all the materials being used are visible, even the electrical and ventilation network. Storage, a lounge with a garden, showrooms and an administration office are spread to the floors, accompanied by ranks of clothes, shoes on top of cubes and various collections changing according to the SS and AW collection periods.
Two doors are marking the new-born building. The main one designed with a metal frame protrudes from the wall welcoming the visitors inside and the huge garage sliding door informs both visitors and passers-by about the definition of the word “door”.
This building was a small industry of sportswear clothing and uniforms for the local basketball and football teams. “RGB Athleisure” was founded by Vaggelis Sigalas and Angela Tollioni in 1953 and closed down in 1995.
Vaggelis Sigalas was born in 1928 in Syros. He met Angela Tollioni on top of the Acropolis, an Italian seamstress who visited Athens in the summer of 1952. They fell in love and decided to get married. In February 1953 they opened “RGB Athleisure” and Angela was the designer of all outfits.
In 1997, a sunny Monday morning she left in order to buy a pack of cigarettes and never came back. Vaggos was devastated because of her sudden running away! He closed down “RGB Athleisure” and decided to transform the building as his home.