Rethink Athens: Towards a new city centre - MIXST urbanisme, Wageningen University, STUDIO 75, WSGReenTechnologies GmbH

Challenges – Changing the heart of Athens into a true contemporary metropolitan city centre requires transformation of the city triangle into a lively part of the city. Newly gained space, as a result of the major step towards a walkable city by reducing car traffic in this area, can be transformed into a vibrant, green and accessible heart of the city. We will take contemporary ideas on climate control, reduction of vehicular movement and programming public realm one step beyond: into an integrated proposal, creating a resilient, accessible and vibrant city, not just limited by its project borders, but linking this area to its adjacent areas and being a catalyst for the whole city.

Resilient City – Panepistimiou will be transformed into a green spine, central in a green network, providing shade and shelter. The resilient strategy includes specific attitudes towards reducing the urban heat and improving thermal comfort (natural cooling by greening and shading public realm, green roofs and facades, cool pavement), reducing air pollution, decreasing energy use and resolving water issues (storm water retention and irrigation). Turning the city triangle into a green framework, transforming its corners into green areas, and connecting this framework to the green hills around the city centre results in mitigation of urban heat not just limited to Panepistimiou but having its effects on the Metropolitan Centre. A greening strategy for Athens is combined with a water strategy, since a good condition of plantings is crucial to contribute to heat reduction. Capturing rainwater in underground basins, on top of roofs or elsewhere helps to keep the water in the area. Besides the technical solutions, water will be used in a poetical way, by referring to the underground Eridanos river.

Accessible city -.The green framework will be treated as a coherent network of public realm in all directions and linking the adjacent neighbourhoods, having its highlight on Panepistimiou. Restoration of the continuities of the crossing streets creates continuity in the walking experience. By making the new tramline clear and present and part of the grandeur of the space it contributes to the aimed cohesion. In fact, Panepistimiou provides Shared space 2.0, a combination between ‘flux’ and ‘relax’. The design has four characteristic places: Syntagma and Ommonia Square will become two green urban squares, with prominent lush water elements. Dikaiosynis Square will become a green urban room, combing installing a fountain house in an empty building linked to activities in a shaded forecourt. In the middle of Panepistimou Street, a green ensemble ties the university together into an urban park.

Vibrant city – Panepistimiou will change from ‘street’ to ‘boulevard’, by adding inviting spaces to stay to the linear space. Occupying and transforming ground floors, we introduce the concept of the theatre of 1000 rooms towards vacant buildings, organizing cultural events and shift focal points who will create a new vibrant atmosphere. Programs are relates to Greek philosophy, science, drama and art. In public realm there will come small open-air podia for outdoor initiatives. An ‘encroachment zone’ will improve active frontages and create linkages between the built environment and public realm. On a smaller scale the architectural interventions of kiosks will not only focus on commercial space, but some will provide facilities such as ‘waterkiosks’ or a toy library. Interactive decorative light in public realm will give the right atmosphere during evening hours.

By doing this we believe that the project tackles the anonymous space in the heart of Athens and demonstrates that urban vibrancy can be combined with creating a green and pedestrian friendly spine, contributing to quality of life and living in Athens.