A new chapter is being written in Athens’ architectural history, as the Athens Riviera Tower has officially surpassed 113 meters in height—making it the tallest building in Greece. This striking structure, steadily rising from the grounds of the former Ellinikon Airport, is already being hailed as a symbol of a new era for the Greek capital and its iconic coastal front.
A recently released video captures the tower’s rapid vertical progress, floor by floor, set against the backdrop of the Saronic Gulf and the Athens Riviera. Cranes in constant motion, tireless construction crews, and massive concrete reinforcements paint the picture of a monumental engineering feat that is reshaping the city’s skyline.
Designed for the Future
The Athens Riviera Tower is the brainchild of globally renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners and is being developed by Lamda Development in collaboration with Buro Happold. Combining sleek, modern design with cutting-edge sustainability technologies, the tower is projected to reach a final height of 200 meters upon its completion in 2026. But it’s more than just a residential skyscraper—it’s a bold attempt to establish a new international landmark.
The design features biophilic elements such as planted terraces, abundant natural light, and energy-saving systems, aiming for a prestigious LEED Gold certification—a testament to its eco-conscious philosophy and alignment with the principles of a greener, smarter city.
Building at Breakneck Speed
Innovation is at the core of the construction process. The tower follows a “5-day cycle” method, with each floor’s structural frame being completed within five days. Additionally, the outer cladding is installed every 10 floors by specialized teams, accelerating progress while maintaining precision.
More Than Just a Skyscraper
Its location is no coincidence. The tower is part of the massive redevelopment project of the former Ellinikon Airport—one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, with total investments estimated at €8 billion. The masterplan includes Europe’s largest coastal park, smart transport infrastructure, residential complexes, hotels, a casino, shopping centers, and even academic and medical institutions. The vision? A fully sustainable, smart city where private vehicles are unnecessary, and mobility is reimagined through pedestrian-friendly, low-impact solutions.
A Landmark That Sparks Debate
Despite the progress and its futuristic promise, the project hasn’t escaped criticism. Some residents and architects have raised concerns about the tower’s visual impact and its placement along a sensitive coastal zone. International media outlets, including the Financial Times, have highlighted worries that the high-rise disrupts the natural flow of Athens’ urban landscape.
Proponents of the project counter with data: energy consumption at the Riviera Tower is expected to be up to 35% lower than that of a conventional building of the same size. Every element of the design, they argue, has been carefully curated to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.
A New Symbol of Athens Rising
While debates around aesthetics and urban integration continue, one fact is undeniable: a new landmark is emerging on the horizon—one that’s already making its mark in the story of modern Athens.
