NYT Forum Explores Architecture & Democracy at Greece’s Costa Navarino

Some of the world’s most prominent architects, economists, professors and academics recently met at the Costa Navarino Resort to answer one question: Does architecture influence democracy?

Held on September 17 at the lauded Costa Navarino Resort in the Messinia region and organized by the New York Times as part of The New York Times Athens Democracy Forum, the meet explored the relationship between architecture, urban planning, democracy and culture as more than 100 guests from all over the world got together to discuss the challenges and share ideas.

“We are grateful to Costa Navarino for their continued support of the Athens Democracy Forum, which has now been firmly established as an annual institution in which excellent minds from all over the world participate,” said Stephen Dunbar Johnson, president, international, The New York Times Company.

Established three years ago by the International New York Times, the Athens Democracy Forum comes under the auspices of the United Nations Democracy Fund and has become the principal global event of the International Day of Democracy on September 15.

Among the panel speakers attending the event were Zaha Hadid Architects’ Patrik Schumacher, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman, author Charles Landry, archaeology professor Petros Themelis and New York Times columnist Roger Cohen.

“It is a great honor and privilege to be part of the Athens Democracy Forum for the second consecutive year. We are happy to contribute to efforts that promote Greece and its capital, reminding the world of the importance of Athens as the birthplace of democracy,” said Achilles V Constantakopoulos, chairman & CEO Temes SA.

The event came to a close with a gala dinner but guests also had the chance to participate in a series of activities including a guided archaeological tour of Nestor’s Palace and Ancient Messini, olive oil tasting, an astronomy night and a traditional cooking experience.

The multi-awarded Costa Navarino, a sustainable destination located in Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, includes 5-star hotels, luxury residences, conference facilities, spa and thalassotherapy centres, signature golf courses, as well as a wide range of unique year-round activities for adults and children.