ECOWEEK 2011 Projects in Thessaloniki, Greece
WORKSHOP Assignment: The project dealt with the transformation of the site of International Fair of Thessaloniki into an urban park, when the exposition moves to a new site. This project was one of the projects that the city of Thessaloniki was interested in developing (a real project). WORKSHOP Leaders: George Hargreaves (Architect, Landscape Architect, Hargreaves Associates, UK & USA), Io Karydi (Architect, Hargreaves Associates, UK). Consultant: Vasilis Maroulas (Engineer, ARUP, UK).
WORKSHOP Team: Gauri Avasak, Asini Chatzivasileiou, Charalampos Kazas, Myrto Lambrou, Petros Lazaridis, Stefanie Leontiadis, Maria Pachi, Anna Papadopoulou, Despina Pippa, Milica Stojanovic, Ourania Tzalla.
DESIGN APPROACH The aim was to facilitate a set of short term transformationscenarios that aim towards the requalification of the open space of the International Thessaloniki Fair (ITF) grounds and at the emergence of a sustainable landscape. The first goal was to address a “Green Engine” for the city of Thessaloniki. The second goal was the formation of the missing link - an “Ecological Corridor”- a functional and operative green link - which, together with the adjacent green spaces, could deliver the connection between city and sea, offering recreation activities and a network of pedestrian, bicycle and water paths.
METHODOLOGY The design approach was based on the concept that a contemporary park could deliver and activate change through an innovative design that challenges convention, proposes invention and embraces experimentation. The methodology focused on the requalification of the urban space and promoted the emergence of a Sustainable Landscape.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS The design focused on the four interconnected systems that would deliver integrated sustainability: water / vegetation / energy production / food production. The phasing would progress in three stages: coexistence, transformation and adaptation, allowing for a combination of programmatic uses that include a diversity of fields that maintain and promote a high-level of ecological performance.
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