Constantinos A. Doxiadis

The only way to solve the problems of the city of the present is to conceive a pattern which will permit the natural growth of the city without allowing the new additions to break up the already existing pattern. The dynamic city must by necessity possess a central part arranged in such a way as to be able to expand, without breaking into the other parts of the city. An analysis of the possible forms a city center may assume points to a solution that will permit free expansion along a predetermined axis. This axis will comprise the original central core of the city and its new development on both sides and along the central core. Such a city will follow a geographical direction and its expansion will be mainly unidirectional.
The city of the future is conceived as a city built and developing at various rates along a system of perpendicular axes. This systematic development, however, has to become an integral part of the overall area around the city and, from a planning point of view, to the overall development of the whole nation, based on a system of hexagonals. The hexagonal system is beyond doubt the best and most economic pattern for the organization of space and the interrelation of settlements among themselves.

CONSTANTINOS A. DOXIADIS

Few people in this century have done as much as you already have for their contemporaries. Your teaching on ekistics has been the most popular school of thought among many that have been working on the phenomena of urbanization and on modern human settlements. You have sparked the interest, the imagination and the goodwill of many men and women, young and old, around the globe. You have created a major center of study, research and intellectual transactions in Athens, implementing the interdisciplinary and international principles of ekistics. You have brought up the reputation and enjoyment of Greek landscapes and of Greek hospitality to new highs, to seldom achieved levels. And in recent years you have increased the admiration your friends and associates have always had for you by the stamina and strength of character you have displayed in all simplicity.

JEAN GOTTMANN