Mykonian Symbiotic Landscapes Addresing contemporary demands through indigenous patterns Aikaterini - Sofia Eleftheriou
Climate Change: Urban Deltas & Islands Master (of Science) of Urbanism and Strategic Planning (MAUSP) Academic year : 2018-2019 KU LEUVEN Faculty of Engineering Department of Architecture Promoted by : Prof. Kelly Shannon
Master Thesis JUNE| 2019 | LEUVEN
Promoted by : Prof. Kelly Shannon Readers: Bruno De Meulder Margarita Jover
Master (of Science) of Urbanism and Strategic Planning European Postgraduate Masters in Urbanism Program Department of Architecture Faculty of Engineering Copyright by K.U.Leuven Š Without written permission of the promotors and the authors it is forbidden to reproduce or adapt in any form or by any means any part of this publication. Requests for obtaining the right to reproduce or utilize parts of this publication should be :addressed to K.U.Leuven, Faculty of Engineering Science .)Kasteelpark Arenber g 1, B-3001 Heverlee (Belgium Telephone +32-16-32 88 94 Email: mahs-mausp@kuleuven.be A written permission of the promotor is also required to use the methods, products, schematics and programs described in this work for industrial or commercial use, .and for submitting this publication in scientific contests 2
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Acknoledgements
Before presenting the results of this thesis, i would like to thank some of the people that played a very important role in its realization. I would like to express my special appreciation to my promoter, Kelly Shannon, for her guidance, valuable remarks and immense knowledge that contributed to the delivery of the best possible result. I would also like to thank Professor Bruno De Meulder for his important advices and suggestions, which helped me to successfully complete my design research. At this point i want to express my special thanks to my friends and colleagues Maher, Bindi, Vivi and Mahmoud for their support, highlights but also their skills and knowledge that indisputably contributed to the completion of my thesis. Infinite thanks to my corner family, Maria and Rayan, for their invaluable criticism, inputs, encouragement, own sense of humor and of course psychological support that pushed the implementation of my project. Special thanks to Thodoris for his patience, understanding and spiritual support during this semester. Last, but definitely not least, i want to sincerely thank my family for the full support throughout this thesis and of course for the opportunity that gave me to successfully fulfill my goals in this two - year course of study.
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ABSTRACT
The already occurring climate change hazards in the Aegean Archipelago, the scarcity of natural resources in the Cycladic complex together with the rapid increase of mass tourism in the arid island of Mykonos became the departure point for this thesis. The paradigm of indigenous methods of natural resources management and the traditional way of living became the backbone of the analysis and design process. The design focuses on the introduction of a new model of habitation with main drivers the seasonal weather patterns and the respect to the capability of the natural resources aiming at the transition towards self - sufficiency. Simultaneously, the transformation of hard engineering infrastructure into hybrid civic systems goes hand in hand with the expansion of the public realm and the re-establishment of the relationship between nature and man. Finally, by addressing the uncontrollable urban sprawling and the threats of the intensive touristic demands, a radical shift towards alternative economies and innovative natural resources management is achieved in order to cope with climate change challenges. The thesis elaborates on the analysis in three different scales namely the island of Mykonos, the rural settlement of ‘Ano Mera’ and the design area. Through the fieldwork process in Mykonos three research questions have been formulated that framed the analysis and design process of the thesis.
Key words Mykonos island, natural resources, water scarcity, mass tourism, xerolithia
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RESEARCH QUESTIONS
I. How natural resources once again become the main drivers for the design of new public areas while creating new economies in a
?
II. How can the indigenous and traditional architecture of Mykonos force to re-design touristic morphologies ? Can there be lessons from the morphology and typology of ancient traditions that can be scaled-up and resist the uncontrollable urban sprawling and intensive touristic demands ?
III. How can design transform hard-engineering logics into hybridized systems which include the expansion of the public realm? Can more attractive alternative to the expensive and hard engineering infrastructure (desalination) to tackle the issue of water scarcity while accentuating unseen underground conditions including soil types and fault lines?
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00 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements Abstract
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00 Table of Contents
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01 Introducing the territory
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1.1. A peculiar landscape 1.2. Tourism shaping landscapes
16 20
02 Interplay of landscapes 2.1. Pre-existing patterns of human habitation 2.2. A congested urbanity 2.3. (In)visible phenomena
32 34 38
03 Unfolding existing logics and potentials Study Area 3.1. Uncovering the indigenous landscape structures 3.2. Isolation VS dependency 3.3. From Civil to Civic
46 48 52 54
04 Vision - Design proposal Towards an autonomous local economy
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Conclusion Bibliography
82 83
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01
Introducing the territory Mykonos Island
Mykonos Island
INTRODUCING THE TERRITORY
Mykonos is one of the smallest inhabited islands of the Aegean Sea and belongs to the island complex of Cyclades -the islands around the sacred island of Delos- (Chatzidakis, 2012). Tourism is becoming an ever-more dominate market segment, particularly in Greece as it is essentially the largest national revenue of the country. Today, the island is an international touristic destination that has grown rapidly and today has reached a saturation point.
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Aerial image, Google earth, 2019
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Mykonos Island
The major shift to tourism in Greece occurred after the end of the Second World War, when it massively became the major socio-economic phenomenon of the era. The rural character of the island shifted after 50s from an agricultural settlement to a major touristic hub. Its unique geomorphology, the traditional architecture and the great proximity to the sacred island of Delos constitute Mykonos a cosmopolitan island (Μακρή, 2017). In summer of 2018 (May-October), the island received more than 2,000,000 tourists (SETE, 2019) compared to the 10,000 inhabitants (ELSTAT, 2014). Regarding the water scarcity issue of the islands, insularity and isolation remain a significant disadvantage and especially for Mykonos, a designated ‘’waterless’’ island which deals with limited natural resources. In addition, mass tourism has altered the socio-economic physiognomy of the small settlement complexes by being the driving force that provoked the shift from the agricultural production and self-sufficiency to the uncontrollable monoculture of tourism (Burns P.M.,Novelli M., 2007) and the absolute dependence on the mainland. Water shortage is a major issue in Mykonos, which is predicted to be even more severe the next decades facing climate change. The scarcity of water lies on the limited precipitation during winter months (mean annual precipitation 348 mm/year) (National Observatory of Athens , 2019) which is the main fresh water source on the island. In parallel, the impenetrable geological formations (granitic bedrock) that occupy the largest extent in the island, do not allow the enrichment of the aquifer in a satisfactory level. Additionally, stormwater runoff phenomena are intensified due to the small area of the island in combination with the intense mountainous relief.
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Aerial image, Google earth, 2019
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Mykonos Island
The gap between demand and supply is further stressed in summer season due to the excessive increase of the population (by tourists). During dry summer by tourism, which is a significant freshwater consumer. In the Mediterranean, the daily water consumption of tourists (300 L) ranges the double amount compared to the domestic population (130 L) (GĂśssling S., et. al , 2012). Hence, it is understood that in the upcoming climate change era the water destribution between locals and tourists will likely raise potential conflicts due to the intensification of droughts, declining precipitation and increased evaporation.
Overcrowding and significant touristic influx in summer Greek City Times. Retrieved June 12, 2019 from https://greekcitytimes.com/2018/10/02/ mykonos-island-seeking-solutions-to-help-relieve-congestion-and-safety-concerns/
Τhe Municipality of Mykonos in order to tackle the issues of the limited water supplies and and at the same time cover the excessive demands, constructed in 1995 and 1997 two water reservoirs with capacity of 2.900.000 m3 and 1.000.000m3 respectively (Eleftheriou, A., 2007). The water serves domestic uses only, due to the chemicals used during the purification treatment. Hence, potable water has to imported bottled from Athens or from nearby islands. However, the island was unable to meet its water needs, due to the ever-expanding touristic industry, especially after 2000. Thus, today seven desalination plants are in function, the operation of which entails a significant expense and an environmental hazard. In extreme droughts when limited precipitation and excessive evaporation occur, the water provided by the reservoirs is not covering the local needs due to the excessive demand resulting in the perforce transfer of water by water tanks from the neighbor island or the mainland. Thus, the lack of endogenous development in combination to the insularity of Mykonos has led to the dependence of the island on the mainland and the close islands (Bramwell, 2004).
The very different winter scenery. The highly visited touristic landmark during summer is transformed into a parking area By the author on 10 February 2015
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CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIOS a) dT2m Summer Prudence A2 (2071-2100)
a) dT2m Summer Prudence B2 (2071-2100)
c) dT2m Summer Ensembles A1B (2021-2050
d) dT2m Summer Prudence A1B(2071-2100)
According to A1B scenario the future summer temperature rise in 2100 in Mykonos will will reach 3.5 - 4.0 °C, a phenomenon that will intensify the droughts in the island and become disastrous for its already arid landscape in summer a) dPrec (%) Winter Prudence A2 (2071-2100)
b) dPrec (%) Winter Prudence B2 (2071-2100)
c) dPrec (%) Winter Ensembles A1B (2021-2050
d) dPrec (%) Winter Ensembles A1D(2071-2100)
According to A1D forcing scenario, the future winter precipitation (%) in 2100 in Mykonos will decrease in a rate of -20% to -15%, fact that lead to further limitation of the natural resources and mainly of the water.
‘The A2 scenario is among the worse IPCC future emission scenarios characterized by an independently operating world with continuously increasing population, regionally oriented economic development and slower and more fragmented technological changes and improvements to per capita income. The A1 storyline and scenario family describes a future world of very rapid economic growth, global population that peaks in mid-century and declines thereafter, and the rapid introduction of new and more efficient technologies. Scenario A1B is based on the assumption that similar improvement rates apply to all energy supply and end use technologies. The A2 and A1B are characterized as pessimistic scenarios in which the CO2 concentration will increase up to 815 ppm until the end of the century and on global scale temperature will rise from 2.5oC to 4.5oC. On the other hand the B2 scenario, a more optimistic one, is more environmentally base with a smaller mean planetary temperature rise ranging from 1.5 oC to 3.0 oC.’ (Tolika, C.K., 2012) Diagrams: Tolika, C.K., (2012) Regional Climate Change Scenarios for Greece: Future Temperature and Precipitation Projections from Ensembles of RCMs pp. 415-416, Retrieved June 10, 2019 from https://journal.gnest.org/sites/default/files/Journal%20Papers/407-421_776_Tolika_14-4_web.pdf
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Mykonos Island
1.1. A PECULIAR LANDSCAPE Geomorphological Characteristics
The Cycladic native landscape is the visible result of geology, ecology and culture interacting through the ages. Intensive volcanic activity and sea level changes from the Miocene until today have contributed to the fragmentation and sinking of the continuous land mass of the Aegean Archipelago, that was characterized by rich fauna and flora, dense forests and sweet water lakes. This resulted in the isolation and scarcity of natural resources of those islands and the dependency to the mainland. As such, Mykonos is characterized by peculiar geomorphology and great heterogeneity of landscapes that are highly connected with the geotectonic evolution of the Aegean islands. The natural scenery of Mykonos is characterized by polymorphous coasts, small valleys, creeks, seasonal streams and steep hilly ridges and relatively limited areas of flat terrain with a maximum altitude less than 400 m (HYDROUSA, 2019).
Geotectonic evolution of the Aegean islands from 20.000 BC to 2.000 BC. Volcanic erruptions and tectonic moves transformed the Aegean mainland into smaller isolated islands By the author, based on Τριαματάκη, Μ. (2017) in εν ελαχίστω τόπω, ελάχιστη επέμβαση, pp. 16-17. Retrieved June 10, 2019 from https://issuu.com/gradreview/docs/ triamataki_maria_ereu_2017-ilovepdf
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BC today
Geomorphology of Mykonos By the author, based on aerial, Google earth via nonimap, GIS data, 2019
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contour lines of 25 m seasonal streams
sea rainwater reservoirs
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Mykonos Island
Underground Landscapes
The underground and surface soil play an indisputable role regarding to the water availability and productivity of the island. Groundwater depletion is mainly due to the granitic bedrock formation, which covers the biggest underground area of the island and is one of the most impermeable igneous rocks. As such, during the rainy period the seasonal streams either direct the fresh water to the main reservoirs or flow to the sea, which leads to aggravated local water stress in dry season due to evaporation and loss of valuable water sources respectively. Moreover, the presence of discontinuous faults causes the leakage of the rainwater, resulting in the insufficient enrichment of the aquifer. In parallel, the water stagnation in the lower planes is an often phenomenon due to low ground infiltration, as mentioned above and occurs in the fluvial zone –most productive land.
By the author on February 19, 2019 The native shrubs and bushes reveals the scarcity of
water resources.
By the author on February 19,
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Stagnant rainwater in the lower alluvial zone of the area due to granite bedrock
contour lines of 25 m seasonal streams molasse
faults
alluvial deposits
granite bedrock
shoreline and sea
marble
andesite
metamorphosed igneous rocks
amphibolite
coastal deposits
fluvial deposits
Underground Landscapes
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By the author, based on Σπυρόπουλος, Χ., (2010) Μορφολογική ανάλυση παράκτιας ζώνης με χρήση γεωγραφικών συστημάτων πληροφοριών εφαρμογή Ν. Μύκονος, pp. 45
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Mykonos Island
1.2. TOURISM SHAPING LANDSCAPES
Until the 60s, the island of Mykonos was characterized by dispersed isolated farmhouses, ‘’choria’’, harmoniously integrated into the rocky and scarce environment and adapted to the natural surroundings.
1960
Small isolated farmhouses, scattered in the island but close to the cultivated land with one main road connecting the city center (west) with the villages. By the author, based on aerial image, Hellenic Cadastre (1940) Retrieved June 5, 2019
from https://gis.ktimanet.gr/wms/ktbasemap/default.aspx,
The traditional autonomous units met the residential and livelihood needs of the islanders, achieving self-sufficiency, with food production and rainwater harvesting being the keystone of their inner structure –‘ landscape urbanism is not very new and has at least two, centuries old, roots; one grounded in an intelligence borne of necessity that led ancient civilizations to seek a balance in creating their settlement structures with, by and through the (constructed) landscape and another stemming from the history of both landscape architecture and urbanism themselves.’’- (De Meulder, B., Shannon, K., 2010)
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Transformation of low-density urban scene to a dispersed congested urbanity. By the author, based on erial image, Google earth via nonimap, 2019
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1999
Aerial image, Google earth, 1999
2019
Aerial photo, Google earth, 2019
The deterioration of the Mykonian scenery occurred with the growth of tourism that provoked the transformation of the low-density urban scene to a dispersed congested urbanity. This rapidly uncontrollable expansion is manifested by the scattered clusters spreading throughout the island, perimetrically of the city in the western part and the linear growth along its southern coasts. The evolving urban diffusion has led to the transformation of the previous arable land into plots and the unreasonable use of natural resources resulting in the scant nexus between the urban morphologies and the landscape.
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Mykonos Island
1.3. DISRUPT(ED)ING FLOWS
In recent years, the rapid increase of mass tourism has led to the abandonment of the cultivating land and the fragmentation of the fluvial surface resulting in the decrease of its productivity, continuous erosion and flash flooding. The coasts of Mykonos have been created due to the erosion of granite from the ridges but also the strong north winds that play also an important role to the erosion and transport of the sediments to the southern beaches. However, the natural phenomenon of coastal erosion and the dynamic balance of the coastal ecosystems have been negatively influenced by the anthropogenic interventions. Hence, the expansion of the built environment to the south and the construction of hard engineering structures resulted in the disruption of the natural enrichment of Mykonos coasts. The disturbance of the natural flow of seasonal streams by impervious surfaces, as well as, the intense linear sprawl on the coastal front influenced the fluctuation of the shoreline due to the obstruction of the fertile materials transferred by the streams. Moreover, the constructed reservoirs act as barriers that block the natural flow of the sediments to the coast, change the fundamental processes of natural ecosystems and influence negatively the biodiversity of the area.
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road network seasonal streams coastal development airport and ports rain water reservoirs fluvial zone
relief
Disrupt(ed)ing flows
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By the author based on aerial image, Google earth, GIS data, Earth Explorer, Retrieved June 1, 2019 from https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/, Σπυρόπουλος, Χ., (2010) Μορφολογική ανάλυση παράκτιας ζώνης με χρήση γεωγραφικών συστημάτων πληροφοριών εφαρμογή Ν. Μύκονος, pp. 45
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Linear sprawl along the coast blocks the natural flow of the seasonal stream and the sediments carried in it, disrupting the natural enrichment of the coast. By the author in 19 February, 2019
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Diagrammatic representation of the main problems occuring in the island
By the author, 2019
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Covered streams by paved roads provoke flash flooding during heavy rain
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By the author, 20 February, 2019
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Interplay of Landscapes ‘Ano Mera’ settlement
By the author, 20 February, 2019
Ano Mera settlement
THE RURAL SETTLEMENT OF ANO MERA
fields main square
The area is one of the main rural traditional settlements of the island, located approximately 7 km eastern of the city center and developed around the main Monastery of the area. It is surrounded by hills and crossed by seasonal streams of small length and depth. The only open and not yet exploited spaces are the main square of the settlement and the fields of the lower plain that both belong to the Monastery. The rest of the surrounding area is demarcated by xerolithies, a complex network of dry stone walls; that havee shaped the landscape throughout the ages. The diachronic interplay and overlapping of these historical elements have created complex patterns from simple conditions of emergent self-organization (doxiadis+, 2015) that will be further analyzed in the next chapter.
Monastery domain, Google earth, 2019 By the author based on aerial image, Google earth, 2019
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Aerial image of 5x5 km, Google earth via nonimap, 2019
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Ano Mera settlement
2.1. PRE-EXISTING PATTERNS OF HUMAN HABITATION
Historically, due to lack of vegetation and trees a methodical development of the agricultural terraced system ‘’pezoules’’ was developed to cope with erosion. This system consisted of man-made complex landscape structures composed of retaining dry-stone boundary walls, namely ‘’xerolithia’’, slopes, small buildings, wells and animal pens that created a web of decentralized terrain covering network. The creation of pezoules aimed at the flattening of the soil in order to create arable land. This indigenous way of working with the landscape dealt with the water scarcity of the islands, as it allowed the reduction of rainwater runoff, the mitigation of soil erosion and the utilization of the soil on the slope plane (doxiadis+, 2015). The landform for cultivation by the dry stone walls was the basic means for the inhabitants of Mykonos to secure the main sources of their food and income. In these areas a micro-fauna and flora is created, as the system of adjacent walls is a biological network offering favorable living conditions. Hence, these indigenous structures are a valuable and inextricable part of the rural landscape of Mykonos, which needs to be preserved and reutilized not only as a spatial skeleton, but also as settings for socio-cultural practices (doxiadis+, 2015).
Native vegetation, namely prickly pears, grow in the xerolithies
UNESCO declared in 2018 the art of dry-stone walls as a world intangible heritage site. They symbolize the relation historically established between man and the environment, as they are the ubiquitous witness of human labor; a testimony of man’s dependence on productive land and water for his own survival (UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2018). Today, both the agricultural land and simultaneously the indigenous terraced system are abandoned due to the expansion of tourism, the primary economic product of the island.
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By the author on 19 February, 2019
The valley of Ano Mera covered by xerolithies
By the author on 21 February, 2019
The construction of xerolithia is characterized by its diversity, adapting to each specific space. Initially, xerolithia is built by the stones close to the fields, as this was the only material in abundance on the island. As such, the land could be flattened easier in short period of time. Another common feature, that can be recognized, is their height, which is related to the slope of the ground and usually ranges from half to two meters. Moreover, the walls used to create terraces on the slopes are almost never vertical, but tilted, following the soil contours.
Abandoned system of pezoules on the hill
By the author on 21 February, 2019
xerolithia on the slope
xerolithia in the valley
Xerolithia in the valley is used to demarcate the fields
By the author on 19 February, 2019
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Sketches: Tufnell, R., et al. (2015) Τοίχοι από Ξερολιθιά from MURS DE PIERRES SECHESManuel pour la construction et la refection, pp. 12, Retrieved June 1, 2019, from http:// porfyron.gr/katopedina/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/xerolithia-zagori.pdf
Ano Mera settlement
2.2. CONGESTED URBANITY
As mentioned, the settlement of Ano Mera has historically been the rural center of the agricultural hinterland. The scattered isolated units were developed around the Monastery with one main road connecting them to the city. The rest of the network constituted of dirt small roads reaching the private properties and the agricultural fields. The units were most often built close to the cultivated land and the seasonal streams that provided them with rainwater. However, after the 60’s, the shift towards the tourism economy changed radically the traditional way of life. The tendency of urban sprawl led to the transformation of the agricultural fields into plots that spread around the settlement and along the southern coasts with simultaneous expansion of the road network. Each unit is accessed, today, by private roads, often built on top of the seasonal streams, deteriorating the environment and the local ecosystems.
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1940
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Aerial image, Hellenic Cadastre (1940), Retrieved April 20, 2019 from https://gis.ktimanet.gr/wms/ktbasemap/default.aspx
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Aerial image, Google earth (2019)
1940
Mykonos of 1940 By the author based on aerial image, Hellenic Cadastre (1940), Retrieved April 20, 2019 from https://gis.ktimanet.gr/wms/ktbasemap/default.aspx
2019
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Mykonos of 2019
By the author based on aerial image, Google earth via nonimap, 2019
farmhouse urban expansion main road dirt roads seasonal streams rainwater reservoirs sea
The indigenous self-sufficient unit close to the productive valley
By the author on 21 February, 2019
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Uncontrollable urban sprawling due to tourism demands
Germanos Studios. Retrieved June 12, 2019 from https://www.germanos-studios.com/
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Ano Mera settlement
2.3. BEYOND (IN)VISIBLE PHENOMENA
Climate related hazards, (un)seen soil profiles and the rapid urbanization are significantly interrelated and influence concurrently the natural ecosystems. Specifically, in this area, where the underground surface is mostly covered by granite rocks, the infiltration of the surface runoff is highly prevented due to the low permeability, leading to the depletion of the aquifer. Moreover, the need for fresh water led to the overexploitation of the limited groundwater counting more than 1000 drillings and wells in depths of 80-150m (Eleftheriou, A., 2007) that caused the salinization of the underground water. Moreover, the natural streams, that used to irrigate the productive land of the area, are now, interrupted by the network of roads, triggering flash floods in the fields. Coastal erosion provoked both from natural environmental changes (increased sea temperature) and human activities (linear constructions along the coast) caused the decline of the shoreline due to the unbalanced equilibrium between erosion and accretion (Yincan, Y., 2017). Coastal erosion can be immediately recognized by the eroded beach and the creation of coastal sandstones due to the blocked sediments transfer and the increased sea temperature. Development along smaller –in length- beaches increases their vulnerability as their small size in combination to the reduced sedimentation accelerates the phenomenon of coastal erosion. The close , to smaller beaches, proximity of development slows down substitution of the sedimentation and further accelerates the phenomenon of coastal erosion. Therefore the coastal development in such beaches affects them even more, increasing their vulnerability (Eleftheriou, A., 2007).
LEGEND contour lines of 25m contour lines of 5m road network
flash flooding stagnant rainwater fluvial zone coastal deposits fluctuation of shoreline
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Beyond (In)visible phenomena
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By the author, based on Σπυρόπουλος, Χ., (2010) Μορφολογική ανάλυση παράκτιας ζώνης με χρήση εωγραφικών συστημάτων πληροφοριών εφαρμογή Ν. Μύκονος, pp. 45
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Rainwater is collected in lower parts without infiltrating the ground due to the granite subsoil By the author on 19 February 2019
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McCabe, R. (1957). Wanderlust. Retrieved June12, 2019, from https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/mykonos-photos-from-the-1950s/
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Unfolding existing logics and potentials Study Area
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Abandoned agricultural terraces covers the terrain of Mykonos
By the author on 19 February 2019
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Study Area
STUDY AREA
The abandoned agricultural valley today is used mainly as pastures By the author on 19 February 2019
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A
plan
A’
B’
B Study Area, Ano Mera settlement Aerial image, Google earth, 2019
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plan and sections
Study Area
3.1. UNCOVERING THE INDIGENOUS LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES
The functionality of xerolithia in the natural space, combined with the rational management of land by man, gave inhabitants the opportunity for a better life in the mountainous regions by enabling them to cultivate the harsh landscape. In all their formations, such as paths, terraces, farm buildings, retaining walls and fences, the xerolithies can contribute greatly to an ecological balance, especially in Mykonos that experiences adverse climatic and territorial conditions. By observing the area, an extended network of dry stone walls and terraces becomes apparent. The valley, the slopes on the eastern and southern hills, the houses on the foothills and the ravines have been carved out to create horizontal ground - small and large plateaux – to be used, as mentioned above, for human activities.
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Mapping of dry stone walls -xerolithia-
By the author, based on aerial image, Google Earth, 2019
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Study Area
In order to further understand this system the categorization of the different structures of xerolithia is considered to be of great importance. As such, through the analysis, four different systems of dry stone structures have been recognized in the area.
(a) (c) (a) Slopes of less than 8%: Xerolithia follows mostly the contour lines and is used as one-side retaining wall that was built to hold back large volumes of soil and slow down the runoff. The lowest part of the wall is thicker than the upper one functioning as the reinforcement mechanism for the water and soil. In the created arable land the Mykonians used to cultivate different kind of crops according to the different seasons so as to achieve the highest productivity of the land.
(b)
Different systems of dry stone walls
(d)
By the author based on aerial image, Google earth, 2019
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(b) Agricultural Valley:
(c) Settlement:
(d) Slopes of more than 16%:
Xerolithies are formed as double-sided walls with height of less than 1 meter. Mainly found in lowland areas of the countryside and less in the settlement, they are used as dry stoned fences, demarcating previous agricultural fields (wheat, cereals), streets and streams. The formation of the streams ‘paths’ allowed the flow of the upstream water to the fields for irrigation.
In the case of the settlement, the fragmentation of the walls is apparent due to the construction of buildings with the cement walls dominating them. The walls in this part of the studied area are discontinuous, defining mainly the properties and the road network.
The system followed is similar to the first one (a). However, the southern part of the area is the steepest one. Hence, the slopes are covered by a denser network of retaining walls forming smaller fields that in the past were used for the cultivation of fruit trees and olives.
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Study Area
3.2. ISOLATION VS DEPENDENCY
Historically, the indigenous house constituted an aggregate of different domestic spaces with specialized functions for the family needs. The units followed the topography and were built in an L-shaped structure orientated towards the south. As such, the courtyard would be sheltered from the strong north winds and get most of the daylight. The unit was surrounded by agricultural fields and pastures of the family that complemented the self-sustaining way of living. This indigenous way of urbanization constituted an integral system, absolutely tied to the logics of landscape (Shannon K., 2007).
By the author
The structure of the indigenous typologies reveals the the self -sufficient way of everyday life
After 60s, the disintegration of the historic structures led to the introduction of new morphologies that served the new demands. The morphology of the buildings throughout the island is homogenous – white cubic forms-, as dictated by the national regulations in order to preserve the traditional Cycladic man-made landscape. Nevertheless, the new enlarged urban structures demarcate the environment without any nexus to its natural landscape. Contrary to the indigenous structures, the contemporary villas and hotels exploit excessively the water sources by its unreasonable use -construction of private pools-. The introduction of new morphologies that host touristic activities and at the same time respect nature and its resources can be the step for a more self-sufficient future for the island.
By the author
The contemporary typologies are structured according to the contemporary demands, exploiting the natural resources by using the rainwater for the construction of pools. 52
Traditional Mykonian house: barns, pastures, agricultural fields, constitute the morphologies of that age and reveal the autonomous way of living
By the author on 21 February 2019
Today the uncontrollable tourism expansion has led to the development of luxurys hotels and villas that in order to cover the excessive demands overexploit the natural resources of the island
Grand luxury hotels (2019), Santa Marina a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos, Retrieved June 17, 2019 from https://santamarina.grandluxuryhotels.com/en/h/834/santamarina-a-luxury-collection-resort-mykonos?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIybq5vq_34gIVGeDtCh3BtAcw EAAYASAAEgIwI_D_BwE
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Study Area
3.3. FROM CIVIL TO CIVIC
The evergrowing pressure of urbanization, excessively rising demands and climate change trends pose significant constraints to the availability of sources of Mykonos. Today, there is not such a competitive alternative which can bring the same revenues to the island as the profitable solution of mass tourism. Hence, the overexploitation of the island’s resources continues, reaching today a saturation point. Thus, innovative adaptation strategies are envisioned towards an autonomous economy based on a decentralized approach of detention, retention and recharge (Shannon K., 2013).
The design envisions the establishment of an interdependent relationship between indigenous practices, water management and public spaces.
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VISION
1st strategy: Τhe first design strategy focuses on the creation of an extended decentralized rainwater and wetland network upstream for capture, storage and runoff management of rainwater. The strategy aims at a green - blue water integration (De Vleeschauwer,J., et. al, 2014) for the irrigation of the valley through channels and storm-water drainage swales.
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By the author contour lines of 2m water storage agricultural valley
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VISION
2nd strategy: The hybrid rainwater storage network is enhanced by a complex system of canals and bioswales for the distribution of water to the fields in the lower plain.
By the author contour lines of 2m
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water storage
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constructed wetlands
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3rd strategy: In order to tackle the urban diffusion on the island new urbanization is proposed in strategically chosen locations, guided by the hydrological system, in combination with new water-centered public space acting as the mediator between the valley and the urban areas.
By the author contour lines of 2m
public open space
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constructed wetlands
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Towards an autonomous local economy Design Proposal
Design Proposal
TOWARDS AN AUTONOMOUS LOCAL ECONOMY
The central component of the design is the integration of indigenous logics into new dynamic structures with main goal, the respect to nature and its resources. By envisioning a self sustaining future and by uncovering, simultaneously, the hidden potentials of the island of Mykonos, innovative design strategies are underlined, in order to tackle the water scarcity issue, meet the ever demanding needs of the expanding urbanization and create new hybridized spaces structured by the powerful dynamics of the landscape. The restoration and reuse of the indigenous terraced system becomes the pillar of the proposal while topography and natural resources become the main dominating principles. As mentioned, the island is experiencing limited precipitation and intense droughts, which are going to be intensified in the era of climate change. Since rainwater is the main fresh water source and at the same time an ever-shrinking one, new innovative methods of water catchment and storage in rainy season need to be implemented in order to achieve a high water management efficiency during the dry periods.
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xerolithia water storage upstream
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agriculture and network of canals
wetlandpublic space
new social infrastructure
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existing houses
new agrotouristic infrastructure and second houses
treatment wetlands and water storage
orchards and native shrubs
Design Proposal
Starting from the higher ground, the abandoned terraced system, after its restoration, becomes the network of the rainwater catchment and storage for the irrigation of the productive valley. Decentralized catchment basins enable the replacement of the hard engineered reservoir in the future of a more organized dispersed rainwater storage network in higher slopes. The interwoven system of this extended water network together with the existing complex terraced system allows the requalification of the natural environment in terms of water provision. Native vegetation - shrubs, oregano, thyme- and trees that grow along the dry walls –fruit cactus, fig trees- surround the reservoirs preventing the evaporation of the stored water. Additionally, the area will be re-vegetated by nature itself after the reconstruction of xerolithies that will restore the degradaded land by the retaining the water and soil on the higher plain. Learning from the indigenous construction techniques of the agricultural terraces, cut and fill process will achieve the creation of the suitable conditions for the water storage.
The water after its catchment is collected in channels alongside the continuous existing or restored walls that frame the agricultural fields. The channels direct the water in existing roads, now transformed into bioswales after the reduction of their width transforming them into water collectors. The material extracted will be used for the construction of the dry-stoned walls that will reinforce the formation of the water reservoirs. The bioswales distribute the stored water to constructed treating wetlands in order to control its flow for the protection of the settlement on the foothills. Moreover, the green swales achieve the reduction of urban runoff, the purification of water and its gradual release. A complex system of irrigation canals and bioswales direct the water to the agricultural valley for the production of aromatic herbs and seasonal crops. Aromatic herbs are resilient to the Cycladic dry conditions and simultaneously their cultivation can be very competitive to the touristic product. This scenery is complemented by the introduction of new social functions for revitalization of the agricultural valley. 62
The lowest part, of the valley becomes a water-centered public space, a mediator between the productive valley and the urban areas that connects them with the only public square of the area. The recreational space is vitalized by the creation of small wetlands that receive the treated -through road-bioswales- grey water from the settlement for the enhancement of a microclimate, habitat restoration and biodiversity of the area. The public space is, also, connected to the steep slopes in the southern part of the area where further water catchment and storage is implemented. However, the analysis of the area revealed that the intense slopes are formed by a more dense network of terraces different from the one the western part. In this case the new urbanization that is proposed works hand in hand with the provision of water. Accepting the fact that tourism is and will be a driving force for the economy of Mykonos island, new urbanization is proposed to cope with the pressure and at the same time to control the sprawling. The proposed development could serve as an agro-touristic unit or second house incorporating self sufficient water management. The domestic grey water is treated through constructed wetlands on top of the mountain and then stored to terraced reservoirs where the distance between the retaining walls allows it. Smaller canals next to the terraces distribute the water downstream for the irrigation of orchards. The existing road and canal at the end of the slope receive the drained water from the fields after irrigation and direct it to the coast for the enhancement of its ecosystem and the stabilization of the shore.
Another main component of the design is the introduction of new competitive -to a tourism based economy- alternatives, guided by the landscape and the natural resources. The proposed agro- touristic morphologies deal with the water scarcity and the limited natural resources by the integration of residential rainwater management system on the roofs for the provision of potable water. The same system is proposed to be implemented also in the existing houses. Additionally, grey water will be treated in small scale wetlands in each unit in order to provide water for the irrigation of their fields. 63
Existing situation in Ano Mera settlement Aerial image, Google earth, 2019
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resilient to water native shrubs (phygana, oregano) and trees (fig, prickly pears)
water reservoir in existing and proposed terraces for irrigation of the agricultural valley
water storage in one terrace for the irrigation of crops and orchards on the slope plain
main canals collect and distribute the water to the valley
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bioswales collect constructed wetlands treat the water before the stored water and surface runoff its distribution to the valley
a network of smaller canals next to the xerolithies irrigate the valley
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bioswales treat grey water and distribute it in the public space for the creation of series of wetlands for the enhancement of microclimate and public realm
agricultural valley: production of aromatic plants with less demands (lavender, thym, oregano) proposed pedestrian path and civic new functions (markets, community center)
public open space connect the valley with the settlement. xerolithies are used for the creation of an open amphitheater compined with new social infrastructure
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agroforestry suitable for Cycladic climate
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potable water storage
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Aerial image, Google earth, 2019
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CONCLUSION
After evaluating the pressure posed by the already occurring climate change challenges in the Aegean Archipelago and the native climatic variability of the Cycladic landscape, a crucial need for a radical change in the way of living emerged. Simultaneously, the social and environmental pressures of mass tourism in the island of Mykonos drove the pursuit of new model of habitation. The design approach of a self-sufficient way of living with respect to the capability of the island resources and the incorporation of new alternative economies can be the radical shift for the island to cope with climate change. The unfolding of indigenous patterns was the stimulus for the re-establishment of the relationship between nature and urban space. The introduction of water hierarchies become the natural and the spatial backbone of the urban scenery. By uncovering existing logics, the settlement of Ano mera is strategically transformed into a hybrid civic space that copes with the fundamental changes of the environment envisioning a resilient future.
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ELSTAT. (2014, September 12). Population and Social Conditions. Retrieved June 8, 2019, from HELLENIC STATISTICAL AUTHORITY: http://www. statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/SAM03/Gössling S., Peeters P., Hall M., Ceron J.P., Dubois G., Lehmann LV., Scott D. . (2012). Tourism and water use: Supply, demand, and security. An international review. ELSEVIER. HYDROUSA. (2019). Demonstration of water loops with innovative regenerative business models for the Mediterranean region. HYDROUSA. Nationa Observatory of Athens, (2019). METEO. Retrieved May 26, 2019, from Weather station of Mykonos: http://penteli.meteo.gr/stations/mykonos/ NOAAYR.TXT SETE. (2019, January 2). ΣΤΑΤΙΣΤΙΚΑ. Retrieved June 8, 2019, from SETE: https:// sete.gr/el/statistika-vivliothiki/statistika/ Shannon K. (2013). Eco-engineering for Water: From Soft to Hard and Back. In M. C. S.T.A. Pickett, Resilience in Ecology and Urban Deisgn, Linking Theory and Practice for Sustainable Cities (pp. 163-180). New York: Springer. Shannon K., Manawadu, S. (2007). Indigenous Landscape Urbanism: Sri Lanka’s
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