crisis question George Papadimas Christine Tzevelekou supervisors:
A.Kourkoulas, P.Tournikiotis
Diploma Project_NTUA,2015
Diploma Project_School of Architecture 2015 National Technical University of Athens
crisis question
Athens,July 2015
starting point The question we asked ourselves at the beginning of this project was whether there can be architecture –at least in the way we know it- in times of economic crisis. Inspired by this reflection, we came up with an original title for our thesis that constitutes of a word play with the word “ ”<from the Ancient Greek word “ ”, which in Greek has a double meaning, one for crisis (economic, social or political) and one for judgment. “Crisis Question” which is the title in direct translation, is used in terms of critical thinking. So, we basically asked ourselves what is the role of architecture in the current Greek social and economic environment. What are the possible ways and tools that architecture can use in order to stand up to this situation? With this in mind, we tried to come up with alternative architectural proposals that could upgrade our city. In the extended Athens area, we often find vacant lots among the densely built urban fabric. The challenge was if we could exploit these lots for public character uses. Although we chose as a case study the area of Exarchia, the interventions described below could also be realized in the extended area of the city center in spots with similar characteristics. Exploring the area of Exarchia, plots that have “escaped” from intense building and “Polykatikia” (characteristics blocks of flats) may be identified. The subject of this Diploma Thesis was therefore to design ephemeral, cheap and flexible –in terms of use- structures that could accommodate numerous usages. More specifically, we recommend three tools for the temporary utilization of the vacant land: 1. Digging 2. Building with scaffolding and 3. Hanging between sidewalls
The map shows the whole area of Exarchia and specifically the vacant lots identified.
vacant lots
Metsovou 17 Ioulianou 2 Zaimi 25 S.Trikoupi 46 S.Trikoupi 34 S.Trikoupi & Kountouriotou Mpotasi 3 Plapouta 26-28 Plapouta 22-24 Voulgaroktonou 52 Ikonomou 37 Kountourioutou 28 & Methonis E.Mpenaki 89 & Eressou Eressou 48-50 Mavromichali 35-37 Mavromichali 27-29 Mavromichali 10 Mavromichali 43 Dervenion 14 Z.Pigis & Tzavella Tzavella 26 Mavromichali 43 & Valtetsiou E.Mpenaki 33 & Solonos E.Mpenaki 50 & Koletti A.Metaxa 3 Char.Trikoupi 22 Eressou 13 Soultani 10
The main characteristics of the plots in discussion are that they are found between two high sidewalls and there is a tree called “vromousa”* standing in the middle. We would say that most of them are like a “well” because their dimensions are 11x11 meters while around them 24 meters high buildings arise. Most of the plots remain empty because of the economic crisis, while some others operate as parking spaces. *Vromousa tree or vromokaridia (Ailanthus altissima) is a very commonly found species in the city center of Athens. It is a very resistant tree with minimum requirements for water, soil and light. Its high prevalence in the city center may be attributed to its resistance to the atmospheric and chemical pollution.
typical plot
listed plot
We chose as a case study one of the listed plots* of Athens, which, due to a special legal status, remain empty. *Listed plot in terms of this project is a plot that has obvious traces of an old, low rise building and features a special legal status. The building that used to be there was a listed building due to some special architectural or historical interest and even though the building has collapsed, the status remains. The law permits only the reconstruction of the old building, something that is therefore expensive and itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bureaucratic procedures might take long while at the same time, the estimated profit of use might be limited.
scenario of utilization of vacant lots
who : municipality of Athens where : vacant lots duration : 6 months - 2 years what: low cost, ephemeral and flexible proposals to : public use footprint : light or not at all after the end of the plot rental : movement of the structure in other plots where is needed and full restoration of the plot in its initial condition.
plot in 46 ,S.Trikoupi st
research
Before concluding to the proposals , we made a research on materials , relations and qualities of the space that we could create between two sidewalls, and next to a big tree. In parallell we started to imagine our plot and the ways we could take advantage of the polykatikias. Following you will find sketches, collages and photos from mockups.
materiality experiments
The primary material used for the structures is seaweed, among others like building timber, nylon and scaffolds. The choice of seaweed was based on its reproducible nature. It is a cheap and plentiful material. More importantly,in terms of structural behavior, seaweed is a durable material, non-toxic, insulating, fire-proof, light and sound-absorbing.
For the plot in discussion, we designed four low cost, ephemeral and flexible proposals that are going to improve the neighborhoods’ quality of life. Also, the legal gap noticed, further supports the realistic and achievable nature of our proposal, since these “listed plots” are more likely to remain empty, at least as long as the economic crisis deepens. The first structure is an amphitheater that can host performances, lectures, movie screenings and many more. The next structure is a public swimming pool open to the area’s residents but also to visitors. The third proposal consists of some hanging between sidewalls structures that could be used as galleries, recreation spaces, offices or even hostels. The last proposal is a scaffold that could serve, depending on the needs, as studying areas for students, workshops, coffee shop, hostel, library or offices.
amphitheater
building materials
amphitheater_plan
amphitheater_section
pool
building materials
pool_plan
hanging structures
building materials
hanging structures_plan
hanging structures _section
hanging structures _working model
scaffolding
building materials
scaffolding_plan and section
construction grid
elevation
concrete formwork scaffolding
scaffolding model 1:1
panel detail model 1:1
panel model 1:1
2
panel model 1:1
This project gave us the opportunity to approach economic crisis as an opportunity. An opportunity to make a useful and contemporary proposal, taking under consideration the actual reality. We decided to think out of the box and change the way we work, designing something which is low-cost, however does not lack in quality. Our architectural approach was intentionally diametrically opposed to the mass production philosophy of architecture nowadays. The financial crisis has immensely affected architecture today and completely reversed the way we work. It is more than necessary to find imaginative, alternative solutions that ensure that architecture meets the set standards and architects continue shaping our society. We have to invent new ways of construction, new materials and flexible programs to respond to the current situation. If we continue to think the old way, neither our city nor us will be able to make it through this tough situation. We, however, are very optimistic.