Aim

The aim of this study is to accurately map all the abandoned buildings within the municipal boundary of Athens.* The reason for doing so is to realise the extent of the issue, no longer just a number in a government publication but an image for all involved to understand. Residents and visitors of the city see the buildings everyday, but because they are so common, they become accepted as part of the urban fabric. Athens is seen as a modern ruin.

Once all buildings have been identified [to the best of our capability] we wish to propose two independent solutions as an attempt to resolve the unused shells that are scattered throughout the urban environment and bring purpose back to the abandoned city layer.

* With the effect of Covid19 on the current climate and travel restrictions, university guidelines have meant it was not possible to travel to Athens. Alternative research solutions were created, and although it may not be 100% accurate, it is the most accurate we can get at this time.

Fig. 02: Photograph by author (2014) Crowded street in central Athens