Concept
Our proposal begins with the idea of downgrading the reliquary of Colocotroni’s and the creation of an isolated space surrounding it. A space dedicated to the historic figure and the nomination of its shrine, treating the current statue as a memorial grave in honor of Theodoros Colocotronis and turning it into an open burial mound.

In order to form these certain conditions, we introduced an intense disturbance of the surface surrounding the monument, by splitting the existing podium into 4 triangular parts. These parts are then boosted off the ground and planted. In that way we managed to create a crack surrounded by planted surfaces which eventually forms a downgraded space containing the reliquary. This certain space located lower than the square’s level, with strict boundaries and accessible only through two narrow entrances, is totally isolated from the surrounding environment and turned towards the centre and base of the monument. There are placed the bones of Colocotroni’s forming in total an honoring retreat of the historic figure.

The base of the statue, although it is generally consisted of reinforced concrete, inside the downgraded space it is covered by oxidized metal sheets, demonstrating the existence of the reliquary of Colocotronis, making it visible from the entrances. The exact locations of the relic lies in the back side of the base and is nominated by a fissure which runs its surface. At the same time this new intense relief turns the podium of the statue visible from distance and in combination with the introduced vegetation creates associations with the area’s known ancient burial mounds. As a result a new situation is established where the monument as a landmark nominates with the most distinctive way the connection between the historic figure and the city of Tripoli.